Mpl Commr, DCP take first hand account of crowding in markets
   Date :11-Nov-2020

Radhakrishnan B_1 &
 Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B along with DCP (Traffic) Sarang Awad during inspection visit to Mahal area on Tuesday as part of exercise to assess market conditions in time of Diwali festivities. (Pic by Satish Raut)
 
Staff Reporter :
 
Radhakrishnan B, Municipal Commissioner, along with Sarang Awad, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic Control Branch, jointly toured city markets on Tuesday. The joint tour came to have first hand information about the local conditions so any steps if needed to avoid crowding can be taken. The two senior officers in tow with their officers surveyed the market and interacted with traders.
 
The whirlwind tour of the markets was part of plan to demarcate some of the stretches in these areas as no vehicle roads so that shoppers can have ample space available and crowding can be avoided. Another reason behind inspection of markets was the massive crowds witnessed in city markets on Sunday giving jitters of the officials as such over crowding in time of COVID-19 is a recipe for danger. The officers walked entire market stretches, personally inspecting each and every spot, making mental notes as to likely blocks in way of pedestrians and steps that would be needed to remove them. In case of market roads marked as no entry for vehicles, then a major parking arena would need to be carved out in nearby areas or otherwise the plan cannot work.
 
Given the constraints of space in all the markets areas, all city markets date back to colonial era, and hence, crowding is going to be major issue all the time. Municipal Commissioner, during the inspection drive, met with few traders and asked them to take all precautions issued for containment of COVID-19 in city. They were also told to stagger customer presence in shops and ensure physical distance as stipulated by authorities is observed in toto. Customers should be advised to wear masks and also, the staff must not let down their guard as cases today might be low but infection threat is not yet over.
 
The joint inspection by civic officials and police officials was done in Sitabuldi and later, in Mahal area. Spot fines were also imposed at places where violations were noticed. Sanjay Nipane, Additional Commissioner, NMC, Zonal officers, local traffic and police station officials were present.