Bhubaneswar: Issuing a fresh set of instructions and orders, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Friday, allowed reopening of the Bapuji Nagar market which was earlier sealed for an indefinite period owing to violation of social distancing norms at the market.
Following an inspection by BMC deputy zonal commissioner Anshuman Rath, an order was passed allowing the reopening of shops albeit on alternative days. While the operation timings remain the same – 7am to 6:30pm – certain shops are instructed to open only Monday, Wednesday and Friday and others will open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. As per the guidelines, mobile, hardware, sanitary, iron, cycle, vessels, automobile and electronic shops will open Monday, Wednesday and Friday while readymade garments, footwear, printing press, optician, book and stationery, furniture/bags, jewellery, tailoring, cosmetic shops will operate Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.
However, essential item shops like fruits/vegetables/milk, medical and grocery, auto garage and sweets/bakery are allowed to open on all the days.
“A thorough inspection was made and the new set of guidelines was made after reviewing the situation. However, the administration will be keeping a close watch and enforcing social distancing norms in a strict manner in the market area. Any shop found violating the lockdown norms further will face stricter penalties this time,” Rath stated.
Earlier, the BMC, May 12, had instructed to seal market area of Bapuji Nagar after gross negligence of violation of social distancing norms came to the fore.
As many as 1,200 shops of the market were sealed following the BMC order. While congestions due to irregular parking were observed locals also complained of poor hygiene measures followed by the shop owners.
“We are usually following all the hygiene norms and guidelines as issued by the authorities. However, at times it becomes tough to adhere to all the rules and regulations when there is sudden surge of customers during peak hours between 5pm to 6:30pm. We will ensure that regulations are complied with hereafter,” said Bibhuti Mohapatra, a garment shop owner at Bapuji Nagar.