Partial lockdown in district from today; order to seal food joints, other establishments found open after 9 pm

Aurangabad, March 10:

The partial lockdown in the district (including the jurisdiction of the city) will be implemented from March 11 to April 4 between 9 pm to 6 am daily. The district collector Sunil Chavan ordered filing an offence on the charge of creating an obstruction in government work if any citizen argues, abuses, or beat the squad members taking action against citizens for not wearing face masks during the daytime relaxation period.

The district administration has granted special powers to police, revenue and Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) administration to file cases against violators. Following Covid-19 guidelines - use facemask while moving in the public domain, avoid crowd, maintain social distancing, use sanitiser etc.

A combined meeting was held at the district collectorate to review the preparations regarding partial lockdown with officials from AMC, police and district administration on Wednesday. Each department had been given responsibility, and an action plan has been prepared to be implemented during the lockdown period.

Responsibilities to 20 government offices

The district administration has given the responsibility to 20 different government departments like police, AMC, MSEDCL, Zilla Parishad, GMCH, agriculture, FDA, state excise, health, RTO, deputy district deputy registrar, deputy commissioner (labour), deputy director (MTDC), regional officer (MIDC), assistant controller (weights and measures) etc.

The superintendent agriculture officer will be keeping an eye on the fertiliser shops in the district. The district deputy registrar (DDR) will keep a watch on co-operative societies and vegetable markets. The state excise officials had been ordered to seal the hotel, dhaba, or any food joint found open after 9 pm from tomorrow. If its owner enters into an argument, then they are authorised to file an offence against the license-holder.

Seize vehicle license

If any motorcycle with a triple seat and the riders are not wearing the face mask, then the RTO, revenue and police squads will seize the driving license. Meanwhile, the RTO has also been given the responsibility to seize the auto if it is carrying passengers beyond the capacity and the occupants in it are not wearing face masks. The vehicles transporting passengers in the district should also follow also the guidelines. No passenger will be allowed to board a State Transport bus if he is without the mask. The divisional controller had been instructed to ensure that the drivers and conductors implement the order.

The district administration also ordered the establishments to conduct RT-PCR tests of their employees or antigen test. The establishment will be sealed if the order is not implemented.

Re-opening of vegetable market?

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) has submitted a plan on management of rush at the Jadhavwadi Market to the District Task Force. If it is found feasible and justified, then permission would be given to conducting the vegetable market. It is learnt that the vegetable market at Jadhavwadi will remain close on Thursday.