Lockdown cancelled in district, decision taken after govt directive, says collector Chavan

Aurangabad, March 30: District collector Sunil Chavan today announced that the complete lockdown in the district beginning from Wednesday has been cancelled. Addressing a hurriedly convened press conference tonight at 10, Chavan said the decision was taken as per the order of the government and also after discussions with the principal secretary and the guardian minister. As reported earlier, the lockdown was to be implemented from March 31 to April 9. The collector clarified that the night curfew will be imposed after 8 pm as announced earlier.

Chavan said the Covid-19 infection is spreading fast in Aurangabad city and rural areas. To stem the spread, the proposal for the lockdown in the district was sent to the relief and rehabilitation department. Discussions were being held with the guardian minister, principal secretary and chief secretary. The guardian minister had made suggestions about the lockdown. There was a view that small shopkeepers and poor will be badly affected due to the lockdown. Peoples’ representatives and social organisations had also raised questions over the serious repercussions of the lockdown. After discussing these aspects with the principal secretary and on his order, the lockdown that was to begin from tonight has been cancelled, the collector said. The government had directed the district administration to call the journalists immediately and inform them about the decision, Chavan added.

Meanwhile, MH Mobile application is being updated. The collector will be able to take stock of the beds available and vacant beds in the hospitals in the district. The information about the patients admission will be updated every minute.

Night curfew to continue

Commissioner of police Dr Nikhil Gupta made it clear that the night curfew from 8 pm to 7 am will continue. So, shops will have to be closed at 8 pm as usual.

Marriages may be allowed

In future, authorities may grant permission to marriages with certain conditions. Earlier, marriages were allowed with 50 guests. Marriages will be allowed with similar condition or some changes in norms, hinted the collector.

Admn backed as State announcing policy soon: Chavan

When asked whether the lockdown was being cancelled due to the opposition from MP Imtiaz Jaleel, Chavan said peoples representatives and many people meet us. We keep listening to their suggestions. The lockdown is being cancelled due to the government order. The state government will come up with a comprehensive policy for the lockdown soon. So, we have decided not to observe lockdown now.

It may be noted that MP Jaleel had warned of organising a morcha from Paithan Gate to collector office on Wednesday to protest against the lockdown. Many individuals and organisations had also opposed the measure. Looking at the opposition from the people at large, the administration backed down, it is being said.

LT stand vindicated

Lokmat Times had taken a stand against the lockdown in view of the untold hardships such curbs cause to the people, particularly vulnerable sections like workers and daily wagers. The lockdowns also stop economic cycle, affecting trade and industry.