Amid Covid fear, crowd thins at Chandigarh markets, malls

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 14

It seems the resurgent Covid and restrictions by the UT Administration have reduced the crowd in the markets and most malls in the city. Rising hot weather is another reason for thin crowd during the day.

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During a random visit to usually crowded Sector 17, 19, 21, 22 and 15 markets, it was found that less number of people were venturing out.

“The fear of coronavirus has again started to grip the city and residents are not moving out much for non-essential items. Due to restrictions on the number of persons at marriages, sales of shoes and clothes have also been affected,” said Charanjiv Singh, president, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal.

Narender Singh Rinku of Sadar Bazaar in Sector 19 said, “The crowd in our market has come down following restrictions by the Administration. If the authorities consider odd-even formula for opening of shops, small traders, who are already facing losses, will become bankrupt.”

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Vinod Vashisht, convener, City Forum of Residents Welfare Organisations, “Every other day, there is a new peak of Covid cases in Chandigarh. This has instilled fear into people. Night curfew in the tricity has curbed public movement. During the day, people prefer staying indoors due to summer.”

Meanwhile, most people were seen wearing masks. However, there were some who were roaming without these. “Local residents know that a strict challaning drive is on, so they do not take chance to remove mask. However, people coming from other states are often seen without masks,” said Ranjit Dhal, a city resident.

UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore yesterday directed the DGP to intensify drive to challan violators of Covid protocol. Night curfew is in force in the city from 10 pm to 5 am.

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