People openly flout social distancing norms in markets
   Date :25-Jul-2020
 
Bhopal Municipal Corporat
 
Social distancing norms were flouted in city markets ahead of ten-day lockdown which began on Friday at 8 pm. Near Subash Nagar crossing good number of people were seen in Bakra bazaar and no social distancing norms were followed. Bhopal Municipal Corporation squad faced challenge in many areas to carry out drive for COVID-19 SOP compliance.
Due to ten-day total lockdown people were seen busy buying essential and household items in Newmarket and Chowk Bazaar. Social distancing norms went for a toss at the fruit and vegetable wholesale market in Karond, Bittan area on Friday. Early morning traders started queuing up to enter the market and the barricades set up at the entry and exit points, to regulate movement, were pushed aside by the crowd. Some people were also seen without masks, despite BMC mandating it. Market officials attributed the rush to the changed timings and new guidelines issued by the district administration.
Ram Kumar, a vegetable vendor, said that many small traders and vendors used to start selling vegetables in their vehicles at the mandi itself, which led to a crowd. Social distancing norms were completely flouted. Some street vendors also started selling vegetables on the pavements and areas where they are getting space. Footfall at the mandi in Kolar had almost doubled.