Various trader associations and Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) in the national Capital , welcomed the move to make masks mandatory in public places but urged the Delhi Government to hold consultations with them before imposing any further restrictions if Covid cases continues to rise. The Delhi Government on Wednesday made wearing of masks mandatory in public places and imposed a fine of `500 on violators. Welcoming move, Atul Bhargava, president, New Delhi Traders Association, said he never wanted customers to visit shops in Connaught Place without masks and social distancing. "The government has done a very good thing and I really never wanted people to remove masks while visiting public spaces. We will implement and follow it strictly in Connaught Place," he said. Asked if government imposes further restrictions, including odd-even scheme, amid rising coronavirus cases, he said, "Let's maintain social distancing and wear masks. We should not go for odd-even scheme.
"However, if things get worse in future, the government should then call the associations for a discussion and we are ready to provide solutions too. The government would not know the ground realities sitting in their office." Sanjeev Madan, president, Traders Associations of Lajpat Nagar said the government should not have removed order of wearing of masks. He suggested that fine amount for violators should also be increased from `500 to `1,000.
"I feel `500 fine is still very less and it should be increased to at least `1,000, especially because people in Delhi have to be pressured to follow or they would get away using the 'influence factor'. We should have strict adherence and should also follow Covid norms," he said. Most of the major trader associations, including those at the Lajpat Nagar, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, South Extension and wholesale dealers associations from Chandini Chowk and Sadar Bazar, stressed that they should be called for consultations before imposing further restrictions if the cases continue to rise.