Heavy traffic on Capital borders
After being closed for nearly two months, shopkeepers in several markets across the national Capital opened their shops on Tuesday following the “odd-even” formula while sanitising and trying to establish social distancing protocols to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Also, with relaxations being granted for public movement during the fourth phase of the lockdown, there was a significant increase in the number of vehicles on roads and traffic remained heavy at some places, especially the city borders on Tuesday.
While popular markets like Connaught Place and Khan Market bore a deserted look in the first half of the day, traders in markets like Tilak Nagar, Karol Bagh and Sarojini Nagar were seen cleaning their shops.
Sushil Khatri, president of the Tilak Nagar Main Market Association, said shops had opened but many were clueless about the odd-even rule.
“Since many shops have opened after 56 days, many are cleaning them and setting things in order. We have requested the police to allow us to open the shops for today. We are waiting for more guidelines from the Delhi Police on the odd-even formula,” he said.
Policemen were seen making announcements, urging shopkeepers not to encroach on roads and ensure that crowding doesn’t take place outside their shops.
Harminder Singh, who runs a kitchenware shop, said as a precautionary measure, customers will not be allowed inside shops. He also had a rope tied outside his shop and had kept a sanitiser bottle as a precautionary measure.
Connaught Place, which is the commercial hub in Central Delhi, saw traders marking circles to ensure that visitors can ensure social distancing.
“While we are happy that shops can now be opened after 50 days, we have requested all traders to adhere to SOPs (thermal scanning, social distancing and wearing masks at all times) failing which action as contemplated under the DDMA Act is liable to be taken. All shops will be closed at the prescribed timings given in the guidelines so all reach home safely before the 7 pm deadline,” Atul Bhargava, president, New Delhi Traders Association said.
Khan Market traders said the odd-even rule cannot be effectively implemented in the market and they are figuring out the modalities as some stores opened in the posh market.
At Karol Bagh in central Delhi, the famous Gaffar mobile market started functioning on odd-even basis. On Tuesday, odd numbered shops remained open and many shopkeepers were busy setting their shop in order.