Bhubaneswar: Barely eight days after getting permission, several shops selling non-essential items at Bapuji Nagar area in Bhubaneswar were sealed for violating COVID-19 social distancing norms on Tuesday.
A joint team of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) decided to shut the shops following rampant violation of social distancing norms. Senior BMC officials informed that most of the shops were operating without authorisation and had not taken any prior permission for opening their shops.
BMC’s zonal deputy commissioner, Anshuman Rath stated that majority of the traders had not taken any permission for opening their shops despite clear instructions that no shops located in a market complex will be allowed to open. Any building which has more than 5 shops is being treated as a market complex as per the revised guidelines issued by BMC.
“We were forced to seal the non-essential shops as social distancing norms were flouted. The shop owners had not approached us for opening their business establishments. We want to ensure resumption of economic activity but if the traders will not abide by the norms, we have no option,” said Rath.
Rath further informed that every shop or business establishment is required to follow prescribed social distancing norms which are the key to fight COVID-19. However, it was observed that a lot of vehicles were parked on road, which created problems for smooth flow of traffic. Besides, the arbitrary parking of vehicles also is seen as a deterrent as in no way it can ensure social distancing, he added.
Meanwhile, the traders have opposed the decision of BMC to seal the shops.
“We had got a notice last month and accordingly we opened shops with less staff. But the authorities came and asked to close down our units,” said T. Bulu Patra, a shopowner.
Another trader stated that that authorities are yet to issue clear guidelines and some shops that have three shutters were counted as different units and closed.
Earlier on April 30, BMC had come up with guidelines and FAQs regarding reopening of the shops.