KO File Photo: Abid Bhat
Srinagar: The district administration on Saturday announced a complete lockdown in this capital city till May 31 after taking note of serious violations committed by people during the week.
The decision to impose complete lockdown was taken in a high-level meeting attended by District Magistrate and Chairman DDMA Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, SSP Srinagar Dr Haseeb Mughal and other civil and police officials, an official spokesperson said today.
Choudhary said that the decision to impose complete lockdown has been taken in view of serious violations seen in various areas during the last one week. He said the prevailing situation due to COVID-19 and the need to prevent waste of effort made so far for containment of the disease has also necessitated the need to enforce strict lockdown for more time.
Giving details about tightening of restrictions from tomorrow, the meeting was informed that operations related to essential services will be allowed as per existing norms whereas permitted outlets will be allowed to operate strictly as per laid-down conditions in such orders, the official spokesperson said.
He said that it has been ordered that all commercial establishments shall remain closed during the lockdown extension period.
“It was informed that shopping complexes, bazars, haats and roadside parkings will also be strictly prohibited. It has been directed that violations be strictly acted against and violators booked under provisions of the disaster management act,” the official spokesperson added.
The RTO Kashmir has also been asked to initiate strict action against vehicles found plying in violation of the DDMA orders as issued earlier.
“It was informed that private offices will be allowed to operate with less than 33 percent staff strength. This does not apply to areas notified as red zones where no such operations will be allowed,” the official spokesperson said.
He said that the meeting decided that the drug stores and distributors can operate as per the existing guidelines whereas banks have been asked to ensure strict implementation of instructions for social distancing norms or face action.
“Service providers like mechanics, electricians, plumbers and others will be allowed to move as individuals and in strict compliance with norms guiding protective equipment,” the official spokesperson added.
SSP Srinagar Dr Haseeb Mughal who also attended the meeting said an elaborate plan has been prepared to enforce strict lockdown in the district.
He highlighted different kinds of security measures put in place to enforce the lockdown. He underlined the importance of cooperation from the public and urged one and all to understand the gravity of the situation and support the authorities to implement the lockdown. He also pointed out the steps taken to facilitate emergencies and essential services in the past.
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