Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has decided to launch a drive to enforce mandatory use of gloves and facemasks by the roadside vendors who deal in food items.
RMC said the enforcement of the rule is required as part of the Covid-19 protocols.
According to an estimate of RMC in Ranchi there are over 30,000 roadside vendors who either run their stall on a fixed place or keep moving.
The enforcement team of RMC is set to start the drive across the state capital within a couple of days. Ranchi municipal commissioner Mukesh Kumar has directed the enforcement team to impose a fine between Rs 100 to 500 on such vendors who don’t follow the directive.
The municipal commissioner on Saturday had given instructions to the enforcement team which consisted of 51 enforcement officers. As per the rule, facemask and gloves, roadside vendors will have to wear apron and cap also.
Other than this, vendors will have to keep dustbins—black and blue—for the deposit of waste. They can only serve their customers on paper plates. If they are found using a thermocol plate and glass they will be fined.
Besides, the use of plastic bags will stay banned under the municipal law. As per the order if any vendor and shopkeeper is found using polythene bags they will be fined Rs 20 each against each polythene bag found in their possession.
RMC City Manager Ambuj Kumar Singh said that the aim of the drive is to create awareness among people towards Covid 19 protocols so that people remain safe.
He said that polythene bags were banned across Jharkhand and drive against the polythene is continuously undertaken in the municipal area of Ranchi.