COVID Spike: Markets, Haats To Be Decentralised In Bhubaneswar, Check BMC Notice

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation on Monday issued a slew of new regulations to decentralise markets and Haat areas to reduce crowding of people amid a sharp surge in the cases of COVID-19 in the State Capital city. 

In spite of the government stipulation to control the virus resurgence, it is observed that proper social distancing is not being maintained in crowded market places/Haats of Bhubaneswar like UNIT-I wholesale market and UNIT-IV markets etc, the BMC said in its notification. 

In view of the situation, the civic body has issued the following guidelines to be strictly followed by all those concerned.

• The Zonal Deputy Commissioners of BMC shall identify suitable places in consultation with the respective market associations & local ACP/IIC for conducting the markets/ Haats at decentralized places for ease of the public as well as for their safety. The places identified during the 1st and 2nd phase of the pandemic can be utilized this time again. 
• The vendors should sit sufficiently apart so that social distancing norms are adhered by them as well as by the public. 
• The Zonal DCs to undertake demarcations/barricading etc so that COVID norms can be followed properly.
• The Enforcement teams of BDA/BMC with the help of local police should ensure proper enforcement in periodic manner to ensure adherence to the guidelines. 

As per latest Health Department data, Bhubaneswar on Sunday reported 574 new cases taking the active caseload in the city to 2823. 

Meanwhile, the BMC declared several more locations in the city as micro containment zones following detection of multiple positives. Those include:

• Plot No-HIG-4, Kalinga Vihar, Patrapada, Ward-23 
• Plot No 63, Gandamunda, GaneshNagar, Ward-62 
• Plot No 166, Mahatab Road, Old Town.Ward No-60 
• Khusi Classic Apartment, Jharapada, Flat no 2, D Ward No-33 
• Bhimatangi HB Colony, Plot no 107, Phase 2. Ward No-61 
• IVA- 21/1, Road no-15, Ashoknagar, Unit- 2.Near Congress Bhawan (Ward No-41) 
• Sundarpada Azad Nagar- Plot No 2537/2588 (Ward 67) 
• Plot No-531,Saheed Nagar, Ward No-30