The Delhi government on Monday withdrew its order to close two markets in the Punjabi Bagh and Nangloi area of West Delhi districts for disobeying various coronavirus (Covid-19) guidelines, including social distancing and face masks. The markets were to remain closed until November 30, according to an order issued by the District’s Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
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A senior government official on Sunday called these markers ‘unauthorized’ and said the crackdown was a temporary measure due to the prevailing coronavirus situation in the capital.
“Both markets are unauthorized and comprise around 100 makeshift stores that sell products ranging from clothing to kitchenware. The crackdown was necessary in light of the rampant violation of Covid-19 regulations. This is not a blockade, but a temporary measure due to an emergency, ”he said.
“Sellers and buyers in the two rehri-patri (street side) markets were circumventing government directives to wear a face mask, maintain physical distancing and other similar security measures from Covid-19, despite repeated instructions and warnings from officials, “he added.
The Nangloi Market Association expressed its relief at the withdrawal of the order and claimed that officials sealed the market despite all regulations being followed.
“It was bad to seal the market. Here all the rules were followed. They had sealed it based on the crowd on the main road near the market. The order was withdrawn last night. A copy of the official order was expected, ”said Subhash Bindal, general secretary of the Shukar Bazar Market Association, Nangloi Market.
Meanwhile, Delhi reported 6,746 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 5,29,863, according to the Delhi health department on Sunday. The total figure includes 4,81,260 recoveries and 40,212 active cases.
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