Weekend lockdown in Ghaziabad, Noida

On April 16, the state government issued directions for a shutdown from 8pm on Saturday to 7am on Monday.

Ghaziabad and Noida will observe a weekend lockdown, from 8pm on Friday till 7am on Monday, starting this week, till further orders, state officials said on Tuesday.

Police personnel screening commuters at Delhi-Noida entry gate. (Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times file photo)

“During this period, there will be sanitisation and cleaning in different areas. Industrial units and essential supplies will continue and those travelling for examinations and for government work will be allowed upon the production of ID cards,” said Navneet Sehgal, UP’s additional chief secretary (information).

On April 16, the state government issued directions for a shutdown from 8pm on Saturday to 7am on Monday.

Suhas LY, district magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar, said, “We will implement the directions and night curfew will also be in place as directed,” he said.

Ghaziabad DM Ajay Shankar Pandey did not respond to calls seeking comment. Shailendra Kumar Singh, additional district magistrate (city), said, “The closure will help control spread of infection and will also help us bolster our resources in the mean time. We are ensuring that supply of oxygen and other facilities to patients on time.”

Experts welcomed the move. “This will help curb the spread of the infection. However, enforcement is equally important. Poor enforcement on the ground will mean the impact of the weekend closure will be lost, and the spread of infection will continue. It was a must for places like Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar, where cases are on the rise,” said Dr Ashish Agarwal, president of the Indian Medical Association (Ghaziabad).