Team Goemkarponn
Ponda: Authorities from the Health Department have temporarily closed the Vishal Mega Mart food counter in Ponda after videos surfaced online showing rats roaming freely inside the store. The footage, which quickly gained traction on social media, raised serious concerns about hygiene and public safety.
Following the viral clips, health officials conducted an immediate inspection of the store, located at the Menino Trade Centre on Market Road in Durgabhat. During the inspection, multiple hygiene lapses were noted, leading to a directive for the store to carry out a complete sanitation of the premises.
The department has issued an eight-day deadline for the outlet to address and resolve the sanitary issues. The store will remain shut during this period and will be allowed to reopen only after a thorough inspection confirms compliance with hygiene standards.
This is not the first time the Vishal Mega Mart chain has come under scrutiny. In past incidents, including in Odisha, the retailer was fined for selling expired goods and operating without proper licenses. In 2021, one of its outlets in Bhubaneswar was sealed by municipal officials for flouting COVID-19 protocols.
The recent action in Ponda underscores ongoing concerns over hygiene management in retail spaces. Officials have emphasized that the Ponda outlet will be under strict surveillance post-reopening to ensure continued adherence to health norms.
Normally open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the store is expected to resume operations only after meeting all required health and safety regulations.
