Chandigarh lifts weekend curbs for shops

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 28

To give a boost to the economy, the UT Administration has allowed opening of shops and markets on Saturdays and Sundays.

UT Adviser Manoj Parida said during a meeting chaired by UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore, it was decided to end the weekend restrictions on shops and markets in the city.

• Also read: Restrictions go from Sector 40, Chandigarh

The weekend closure of markets would be discontinued, but the market associations and customers must ensure strict following of hygienic practices like wearing of mask and social distancing, he said.

However, the odd-even formula applicable to congested markets would continue till September 3, he said.

Parida said the weekend closure of Sukhna Lake would also continue. Residents could utilise various parks for physical activities such as walking and yoga, he added.

To break the chain of novel coronavirus, the Administration had ordered the closure of all non-essential shops in the city on Saturdays and Sundays. It had ordered opening of shops in the congested markets on the odd-even system.

Chandigarh Beopar Mandal chairman Charanjiv Singh said the UT move would help traders survive in the present circumstances. “We will cooperate with the UT Administration if it comes up with any other measure to prevent the spread of Covid in the city as we are also concerned about the pandemic,” he said.

Badnore directed the Principal Secretary (Education) to ensure that necessary Covid education regarding 3Ws — wearing of mask, washing of hands and watching distancing and other hygienic practices — was given to children. He also ordered that while taking online classes, every school must include it as a part of mandatory instructions. He also directed that audio announcements should be made in public places/market places, advising people to follow hygienic practices to prevent the infection.

‘Lockdown would’ve been destructive’

Neeraj Bajaj, president, Chandigarh Business Council, said the weekend lockdown would have been destructive for business and employment as everyone had been struggling due to the pandemic. “This shows the willingness of the UT Administration to help people during tough times,” he said.