Odisha COVID-19 Lockdown: BMC Ropes In 28 Stores, Malls To Home Deliver Essential Commodities

Bhubaneswar: Amid the growing inconvenience faced by the public in the aftermath of Coronavirus lockdown in Odisha, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken several initiatives to ease the availability of essential commodities at the doorsteps of the residents in Bhubaneswar. Social distancing being a major preventive measure to control the spread of COVID-19, BMC on Thursday created a pool of around 28 stores and outlets to home deliver food items to avoid public gathering at markets.

The civic body has roped in leading stores/outlets for the campaign. The stores will ensure delivery of essential commodities at the doorstep of the consumers between 7 am to 11 pm from tomorrow (Friday) onwards.

BMC has also provided the list of the WhatsApp numbers of the responsible persons of different outlets to be contacted for placing the orders. The list of outlets/malls includes Big Bazaar, Reliance Fresh, Vishal Mega Mart, Aadhar Fresh and many other sought-after stores in the capital city.

Read: Coronavirus Lockdown In Odisha: Dhabas, Vehicle Repair Shops Alongside Highways To Remain Open

In order to avail services from nearby outlets, consumers need to send the list of the required essential commodities along with the local address where the order is to be delivered. However, BMC has clarified that no phone calls shall be entertained in the entire process.

“Consumers can pay the billing amount after receiving the order/consignment at the mentioned delivery address from the nearest store,” informed sources.

Here’s the list of the outlets included in the campaign and the concerned persons’ names and their WhatsApp numbers to place the orders.

Earlier today, Commissioner of Police Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, Sudhanshu Sarangi informed that there is no restriction on opening hours for shops selling essential commodities in the twin city. Shops can remain open as long so they want so that customers can be distributed and crowding avoided, he said.

Just to clarify, there is no restriction on opening hours for shops selling essential commodities in the twin city. Shops can remain open as long so they want so that customers can be distributed & crowding avoided.

— Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi (@SarangiSudhansu) March 26, 2020

Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown In Odisha: Unit-1 Haat Shifted In Bhubaneswar, Circles Drawn Outside Shops For Social Distancing