E-Paper
HT Spot Check: Crowds trample Covid-19 norms in Delhi’s markets
HT is conducting spot checks in different parts of the city to check whether social distancing norms and mask hygiene are being followed, and questioning the authorities about why they are being unable to put measures in place, and how they plan to address the problem.
Despite new Covid-19 infections in the Capital spiralling, and experts urging people to avoid crowding, markets have swelled during the festive season. HT is conducting spot checks in different parts of the city to check whether social distancing norms and mask hygiene are being followed, and questioning the authorities about why they are being unable to put measures in place, and how they plan to address the problem. Need we remind you, the coronavirus disease has already infected over 450,000 people in the city, and taken more than 7,000 lives.
What association says
Sanjay Bhargava, president of Chandni Chowk traders’ association: “Although there is space on the main road, the by-lanes are extremely crowded. We have asked the district administration to remove encroachments from pavements. The administration is taking measures, but the problem is the high number of shoppers.”
Nagrendra Tripathi, additional district magistrate (Central): “We have set up eight incident command posts, with six to eight civil defence volunteers, to urge people to maintain social distancing. We are issuing fines for violations and are issuing about 500 fines daily in the district.”
DCP (North) Anto Alphonse: “We are working to ensure that there is no crowding. Our beat officers have placed barricades at different points to restrict random movement of shoppers and vehicles. We have banned the loading and unloading of goods during the day to avoid jams. All encroachments are being removed daily.”
Ashok Randhawa, president, Sarojini Nagar mini market traders’ association: There has been a surge in the number of illegal hawkers.
A senior district official, requesting anonymity: “All illegal vendors and hawkers have been removed from the market. We set up a test facility in the market two weeks ago.”
DCP (south-west) Ingit Pratap Singh: “Apart from the local police, paramilitary staff are also present to ensure no crowding in the market. We issued 120 fines for violations on Tuesday.”
Ashwani Marwah, general secretary of the traders’ association of Lajpat Nagar: “We have told shopkeepers not to allow customers without masks. The government should cap the number of visitors.”
Viswendra, DM (south-east): “We have deployed teams to check violations. We are conducting awareness campaigns .”
DCP (south-east) RP Meena: “There are over 40 personnel in the market during business hours. We also have 20 volunteers from the traders’ association to patrol the markets.”
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