Delhi govt withdraws order to shut 2 markets over Covid-19 guidelines violation

The Delhi government on Monday withdrew its order to shut two markets in Punjabi Bagh and Nangloi area of West Delhi districts for flouting various coronavirus (Covid-19) guidelines including on social distancing and face masks. The markets were to remain shut till November 30, as per an order issued by the the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).

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A senior government official on Sunday had called these markers ‘unauthorised’ and said that the crackdown was a temporary measure due to the prevailing coronavirus situation in the Capital.

“Both these markets are unauthorised and comprise around 100 makeshift shops selling goods ranging from garments to kitchen utensils. The crackdown was necessary in the light of rampant violation of Covid-19 regulations. This is not a lockdown, but a temporary measure because of an emergency,” he said.

“The government directives for wearing face mask, maintaining physical distancing and other such Covid-19 safety measures were being flouted both by the vendors and shoppers in the two rehri-patri (street side) markets despite repeated instructions and warnings by officials,” he added.

The Nangloi market association expressed relief over the withdrawal of the order and claimed that officials sealed the market despite all norms being followed.

“It was wrong to seal the market. All norms were being followed here. They had sealed it on the basis of crowd on main road near market. Order was withdrawn last night. Official order copy awaited,” said Subhash Bindal, general secretary of Shukar Bazar Market Association, Nangloi Market.

Meanwhile, Delhi reported 6,746 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours, taking 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.