Scant regard for distancing in old city areas, mandi

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 19

Even as Covid cases are rapidly increasing in Ludhiana, violation of social-distancing norm is rampant in most public places in the district. Leaders, too, fail to ensure social distancing during protests.

Residents said the district administration and the police should take steps to ensure social distancing so that the spread of Covid-19 could be checked.

Kuldeep Singh Khaira, from Vigilant Citizens’ Forum, Ludhiana, said: “It seems the authorities concerned have turned a blind eye towards the violations of the social-distancing norm. Politicians can be commonly seen staging protests where social distancing is seldom ensured. The district administration should take steps to ensure the implementation of the Covid guidelines to check the spread of virus.”

There is no system in place to manage crowds at Sabzi Mandi, old city markets and various other locations in the city. “There is a need to ensure compliance of social distancing and other norms in the city so that the spread of virus can be contained. Instead of holding large gatherings to mark protest, parties or other organisations can submit their memorandums and complaints to the government online,” said Jagjeet Singh Mann, a resident of Chandigarh Road.

A number of Covid cases were recently reported from two “vehras” in the city. “As social distancing is difficult to maintain in ‘vehras’ and slum areas, the government should take measures to protect people who live in areas around these places. There is a need to create awareness on social distancing and other Covid norms among these people who are mostly uneducated,” said RK Yadav, a resident of Giaspura.

A numbers of visitors as well as shopkeepers in various markets don’t wear masks. As per the directions of the Punjab Government, any person not wearing a mask can be fined Rs 500.

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