Shoppers in Delhi markets ahead of Diwali as Covid rules go for a toss

Market associations are struggling to manage crowds in markets such as Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Lal Quarter Krishna Nagar, Karol Bagh, Kamla Nagar, Rajouri Garden and Tilak Nagar.

Devraj Baweja, president of Sadar Bazar Market Association, told news agency PTI that it was complete “chaos” as those coming to the market to make last-minute purchases ahead of the festival hardly followed any Covid protocols.

He said festivals generally attract a large crowd, but the authorities should make elaborate arrangements to ensure that people follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. “No one was seen wearing a mask or following social distancing,” he told the agency.

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This is happening despite health experts warning of a possible third wave of Kovid. The central and state governments have advised strict adherence to the COVID protocol during the festive season.

Baweja has accused the authorities of not doing enough to manage the crowd. He said that in the name of order, the police have put up only barricades which can stop the vehicles and not the people.

“We can only ask people who come to our shops to wear masks. We cannot go to see if the people walking on the street are wearing masks or following social distancing. This exercise is civil defense Should be done by volunteers, who are hardly seen in the market,” Baweja said while talking to PTI.

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Chandni Chowk, another famous and one of the busiest markets in the national capital, has also witnessed a sea of ​​crowds this Diwali. Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal President Sanjay Bhargava also said that the violation of Covid guidelines is happening on a large scale in the market.

He said that the association has issued strict guidelines to the shopkeepers that no one should be allowed inside the shops without a mask and thermal screening should also be done. “But we cannot do anything about unauthorized sellers as they do not follow the Covid norms. The buyers at such vending kiosks also hardly follow any guidelines,” he said.

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The market president further said that in a recent meeting, he had apprised the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the area about the violation of Covid guidelines by the shopkeepers and urged them to increase vigilance and deploy more teams so that they practice social-distancing. strictly enforce the norms. Market.

Shopkeepers flouting Covid norms are not confined to Sadar Bazar and Chandni Chowk, such a sight can be seen in almost every famous market place in the city.

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The market president further said that in a recent meeting, he had apprised the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the area about the violation of Covid guidelines by the shopkeepers and urged them to increase vigilance and deploy more teams so that they practice social-distancing. strictly enforce the norms. Market.

Shopkeepers flouting Covid norms are not confined to Sadar Bazar and Chandni Chowk, such a sight can be seen in almost every famous market place in the city.

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Lajpat Nagar Traders Association general secretary Ashwini Marwah said this festive season the market is buzzing with buyers and the administration as well as shopkeepers are ensuring that people follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.

“We, on our own, have deployed 10-15 volunteers to manage the crowd and ensure that people wear masks and follow social distancing as much as possible,” he said.

Traders of Karol Bagh market said that they are happy that this Diwali business is coming back on track. Murali Mani, president of Ajmal Khan Road Vyapar Mandal in Karol Bagh, said, “Business is on the rise this season and to ensure that it does not fall prey to another Covid wave, we have asked shopkeepers to follow social distancing norms. instructions have been issued.”