More patrolling to stop migration: Kejriwal

Tribune News Service & PTI

New Delhi, March 30

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said intense patrolling on Delhi’s borders had been initiated to prevent movement of migrant workers in the national capital during the ongoing 21-day lockdown period.

He said an alarming situation had arisen after a large number of people gathered in Kaushambi bordering Delhi’s Anand Vihar over rumours that buses were stationed there to take migrant workers to their home states.

Though all inter-state bus services were suspended following the 21-day lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday night, thousands of daily wagers and labourers from Delhi, Haryana and even Punjab had been reaching Anand Vihar, Ghazipur and Ghaziabad’s Lal Kuan areas since Thursday after arduous treks on foot in a bid to ride buses to their respective native places.

Kejriwal also called for stricter action against owners of ration shops on hoarding of commodities. The government is also planning to quarantine doctors, who are on Covid duty, in Lalit hotel. “I urge the owners of ration shops not to indulge in any kind of malpractice. I have already ordered arrest of one such person of Janakpuri and directed officials to ensure that such activities do not take place under their jurisdiction,” he added.

Doctors treating Covid patients at LNJP and GBP hospitals will be accommodated at Lalit hotel in Delhi, the cost of which will be borne by the Delhi Government.