Inspite of the State government announcing a lockdown across Jharkhand till March 31 on Sunday evening, the streets of the Capital city were buzzing with activity on Monday as Ranchiites were seen flocking around buying vegetables and groceries.
The residents had however, welcomed the Prime Minister’s call of self imposing social distancing or ‘Janta Curfew’ on Sunday, people across Ranchi were seen assembling in large numbers despite the lockdown order.
The market in Lalpur had numerous people from the neighbouring localities buying vegetables, groceries and medicines. “I am out to do some regular errands and also to get some vegetables.
I have senior citizens at home, so I am also going to stock up on their daily medicines. Though the lockdown is a very important move to control the spread of the virus, it is something which we were not prepared for.
I have stocked up on ration for about a month, but for perishables like dairy products and vegetables, one has to come out of the house on a daily basis” said a resident of Burdawan Compound requesting anonymity.“Upper Bazaar is one of the busiest places in the City. Even though a lot of shops are closed, people are still present here in large numbers not realising the gravity of the situation. To buy essential items, people have been visiting the store in either pairs or groups of three- four. The administration needs to take some drastic steps in order to enforce the lockdown.
Those in an emergency should only be allowed or else the sole purpose of imposing a lockdown will be futile,” said Amit Kumar, a grocery store owner.“I am out to buy regular items like newspaper, eggs, bread and milk.
The police did question me about my whereabouts and suggested I finish my work and rush home. They have been requesting others to do the same but people seem unaware of the situation and the consequences of the deadly Coronavirus.
Staying home for a few days is for one’s own benefit. The government and the administration have been working on its toes for the safety of the public which too should cooperate,” said Amit Singh, a senior citizen.