TAXILA, Oct 31: Tent manufacturers and traders of Taxila and Wah Cantonment are hoarding and selling tents and water proof sheets at exorbitant prices, violating the ban imposed by the Punjab government on selling of tents in the open market.

It may be mentioned here that the provincial government had also restricted the manufacturers from selling tents to individuals, private parties and non-governmental organizations.

The official directives issued in this regard made it binding on all manufacturers to supply tents to the government for setting up tented villages and also for immediate delivery to earthquake-affected people. These measures had been taken to channel distribution of the commodity through the government and to discourage hoarding and profiteering since tents were in high demand in the affected areas.

The manufacturer were also warned that violation of the ban could result in strict action against them. However, contrary to the government directives, the local administration is watching the whole affair as a helpless spectator.

It has been learnt that local shopkeepers have increased the prices of bedding and tents in the wake of high demand after October 8 earthquake. One shopkeeper told this reporter that though the government had banned export and sale of tents in the open market, some people involved in tent manufacturing or production of related materials were exploiting the situation and had increased the prices of some necessary items up to 50 per cent.

A manufacturer said ground sheets that were available for Rs180 now cost Rs350. Likewise, water proof ‘tarpal’ (18 x 24) previously available in the market for under Rs3,500 now cost Rs5,000, and 12 x 15 size once available for under Rs1,500 now cost Rs2,200.

He said a medium grade tent, once available in the market for under Rs3,500 now cost Rs5000; 12 x 15 tent, earlier selling under Rs2,700 now cost Rs4,500; 12 x 18 tent, previously selling under Rs3,500 now cost Rs4,200; 14 x 18 tent, earlier selling under Rs3,700 now cost Rs5,000; 14 x 21 tent, once available for under Rs5,500 now cost Rs7,000.

Sources in the Punjab government said the provincial government had made arrangements to produce 10,000 tents daily.

According to tent manufacturers in the Punjab, they would prepare a total number of 210,000 tents for the earthquake- affected people on war-footing as the provincial government wanted to supply tents to the affected people by November 30 at all cost.