Updated: November 18, 2020 12:51:15 pm
A busy Janpath Market in New Delhi on November 17, 2020 (Photo Express: Praveen Khanna)
On Tuesday, Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote to the center seeking powers to shut down markets for a few days if overcrowding and violation of social distancing rules continue and there is a risk that the area will become a local hotspot. According to the Center’s guidelines, states cannot impose restrictions beyond those imposed by the Center.
The Delhi CM statement has sparked fears that Delhi could be headed for closure, something officials have said is not in the cards.
During his web address on Tuesday, Kejriwal said the likelihood of markets closing was low because the Diwali fever had ended. Authorities said the government has requested permission for the closures as a precaution and deterrent.
Why did the Delhi government consider a market lock option?
In the run-up to Diwali, large crowds were seen, with most people shedding the masks, in large markets such as Sadar Bazar, Lajpat Nagar, and Sarojini Nagar. This coincided with a sharp increase in cases: 8,593 cases were seen on November 11. 📣 Express Explained is now on Telegram
A Delhi resident buys winter clothes at a road market in New Delhi on November 16, 2020 (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Is the Delhi blockade on the cards?
The Delhi government has repeatedly said that a blockade will not be re-imposed on the city. Also on Tuesday, the government clarified that the market closure will not be like a closure and will not apply to any market other than where the rules are not followed.
Over the past few days, RT PCR tests have been performed in various markets among traders and the positivity rate in these cases has ranged from 15% to 25%.
How do you plan a market closure?
According to officials, if a market has to close, it will only be done for a few days. “This decision will only be made, in case the center gives us the power, if the traders and people visiting the markets do not follow the rules, as seen in the run-up to Diwali in Sadar Bazar, for example. We believe that the measure will not be necessary anywhere but there must be the option so that in the event that an area is on the way to becoming a hotspot, it can be closed without wasting time. We also think this will act as a deterrent to other areas, ”said an official.
People crowd a market in New Delhi on November 12, 2020 (AP Photo: Manish Swarup).
What will it take for Delhi to implement the market shutdown?
The request from the Delhi government will be evaluated by the Center. Until such time as they get approval from the Center, no market shutdown can be implemented.
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