Two main markets in the State Capital city of Odisha were on Friday shut down by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation authorities on charges of violation of Covid-19 protocols.
As per notifications issued by the BMC, the Unit 4 non-vegetarian market and the Bapuji Nagar markets have been closed in larger public interest and with a view to contain any possibilities of spread of virus cases. The order of closure shall remain effective strictly till June 25, the BMC said.
The shops selling essential commodities and medicines in Bapuji Nagar however have been exempted from the restrictions. In case of the Unit 4 market, all the retail and wholesale selling units will continue to remain closed till the date mentioned in the restriction order.
The civic body has clarified that its enforcement squads and police personnel reported mass violation of Covid appropriate behaviour at both the busy market locations today.
The BMC office has urged people to restrain from unnecessary movement during the period of relaxation hours permitted by the State government. It has also requested the public to maintain distance and not crowd at a place while buying essentials.
As per sources, an increasing tendency of people moving outdoors has been seen in several parts of the city especially after the government allowed three more hours of relaxation for availing essential commodities in the partial unlocking phase which came into effect from June 17.