Mundhe warns of stricter lockdown, if Nagpurians continue to break rules
| Date :23-Jul-2020 |
Staff Reporter :
Municipal Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe hinted at intense lockdown accompanied with curfew in a bid to stem rising cases of novel coronavirus in city. Given the way citizens are not observing norms under ‘Mission Begin Again’ phase, Mundhe said it is increasingly becoming imperative to break the chain. Municipal Commisisoner's statement again highlights the unease in civic establishment as it weighs option of lockdown of 14-days straight as pandemic is swirling out of control. Interacting with mediapersons on Wednesday, Mundhe said violations are galore throughout the city and particularly in markets. Norms of odd/even are being flouted continuously on part of traders, there is no adherence to social distancing, people refuse to wear masks and ultimately these reasons has led to sudden spurt in COVID-19 cases as per their survey.
In such situation, civic administration cannot sit tight and continue to watch the brazen violations and this time Mundhe said lockdown is going to quite rigid as options are limited. Curfew is going to be imposed in entire city wherein no movement of citizens would be allowed. As to emergency, he said only medical ground a person could be permitted to step out of house. Unlike previous lockdown period, this time around norms would be quite harsh as citizens would not be even allowed to move out for purchasing vegetables and grocery.
This he said is necessary as citizens are found moving out of house on pretext of buying vegetables and is found roaming around in city without any purpose. Mundhe said the curfew would hurt citizens and hence they can avoid it by adhering to norms issued by State Government. After all health is wealth and wisdom says people must weigh in all factors before violating the guidelines. He also frowned on citizens sitting tight even after some family members condition worsen and in nine cases at last minute the person is rushed to hospital leaving doctors helpless.
Similarly, Municipal Commissioner also hinted at action against hospitals and Doctors who failed to report cases of COVID-19 after they were approached by people with high fever and breathlessness. Meanwhile, city police have gone on overdrive and cracking down on violators in market places. Post 7 pm wherever there is crowding in markets police have resorted to mild cane charge to disperse people. The scene at Kamal Talkies area in North Nagpur on Tuesday evening was self explanatory as cops are using heavy hand to discipline people who are roaming around as if pandemic threat is all over.
Similar scenes were also witnessed in popular Dharampeth market where police directed traders to adhere to deadline of 7 pm. Even grocery stores were asked to call it a day since new norms have restricted timing of commercial establishments. The administration wants to curtail unnecessary movements in markets where people are not maintaining distance and moving around complicating the fight against COVID-19. During the interaction, Mundhe however said people would be given times of two to three days before commencement of lockdown so that they can stock up necessary grocery, vegetables and medicine for a fortnight. As per rumor mill, with festival season likely to start by next month, the lockdown might be announced sooner or later within city limits.
Mundhe on Facebook live today Municipal Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe is going to interact with citizens through Facebook live on Thursday. During the interaction, Mundhe would shed light on speculations about lockdown or curfew and clear the air. The programme is on July 23 at 2 pm onwards and citizens can join on facebook page of NMC or also on @nmcngp.