Sunday’s lockdown imposed by the state government was total in Thoothukudi district.
Most of the residents remained indoors. The salt pan workers and fishermen did not go to work. The shrines were closed since Friday and hence, visitors to Tiruchendur and other important tourist places stayed away. Flower, vegetable, fish and other markets remained closed.
However, the road laying work is going on in full swing on the Thoothukudi-Palayamkottai road. When Hindu On enquiry, the workers said that they were directed to report for work on Sunday. The roads had to be constructed before midnight due to the instructions of the authorities. Similarly, workers were busy in finalizing the science park to be built near VOC College for Rs 6.28 crore.
The workers, at least close to 100, could be seen in violation of the lockdown norms at both the places. None of them wore facemasks and physical distancing was completely disregarded.
When contacted, an official requesting anonymity said that the condition of the roads was bad. The recent rain had made him non-walkable. Asked what was the reason for the haste, he said the chief minister is likely to come soon for the inauguration ceremony.
Police said they had collected Rs. 12 lakh fine from 6,200 people in the last week for violating COVID-19 norms. Several motorists who failed to wear facemasks were initially warned.
On Sunday, motorists, who had no valid reason to step out of their premises, were also fined. Superintendent of Police Jayakumar told reporters near VOC Junction that since Friday night around 1,000 police personnel were deployed across the district and 64 check posts were set up to check vehicles coming into the city.
In neighboring Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari districts too, officials said the lockdown was in full force. The movement of general public was completely stopped, except for the movement of essential and exempted areas.
Tourist places like Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari looked deserted. Similarly, Courtallam in Tenkasi district also remained deserted on Sunday.