The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday sealed the Bapuji Nagar market on the allegation of flouting of the social distancing regulations.
BMC Zonal Commissioner Anshuman Rath said five shops for shopping complex were granted permission to be opened withthe rider that distancing norms would be adhered to.
But there were rampant violations, for which the decision to seal the markets was taken.
Apart from the outlets selling essential commodities, all other would be closed for an indefinite period till further notification.
The action was taken in the general interest for the benefit of customers and shop-owners. It will be opened in a phase-wise manner in future, added Rath.
Earlier, when the market opened after the Government and the BMC eased the lockdown regulations the police had sensitised the shop owners and people to maintain social distancing.
But later, the exemption become a free pass for hundreds to throng the markets and distancing norms went for a toss. The shoppers don’t seem to understand the rules are in place, for their own good, said a police officer.
