The state government of Maharashtra, on April 13, 2021, imposed a state-wide curfew, with an aim to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). To strengthen the same, officials, on Monday, April 19, 2021, decided to assign a specific time for the operation of grocery stores in the state. The decision was taken to ensure people do not step out of the house all day and this will also help in controlling the movement of the people at the stores.
To implement the same effectively, owners have been asked to keep the grocery stores open for only four hours a day, between 7am and 11am. Directives and guidelines regarding the same will soon be issued by the BMC.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reviewed the COVID-19 protocols at the meeting by getting the update about the crisis management and the situation. Though the state government has imposed a curfew, the BMC and other civic bodies have ensured the operation of essential services remains smooth thereby avoiding inconvenience for the public. Keeping the same in mind, medical stores, medical services, public services, hotels and restaurants, street food stalls, grocery stores, vegetable stores, dairy-bakery shops, etc. have been permitted to function.
However, it was also noticed that a large number of people have been stepping out of the houses which has led to crowding at many areas in the city. Observing this, BMC believes that the decision to fix the times of store operations will help improve the situation. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar supported the thought in this meeting.
It is said that the new rules will be implemented soon after the approval of the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police has been implementing the concept of Colour Codes to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads of Mumbai. As per this new rule, vehicles will be assigned either red, green and yellow colors, and stickers will be affixed to vehicles. This will be allowed only for vehicles used for essential services. Private vehicles will not be allowed.
Share
Tweet
