COVID Surge In Odisha Capital: Decentralisation Of Major Markets From Today

Bhubaneswar: Taking note of the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to decentralise daily markets in the city from Monday.

According to sources, the daily markets at Dumduma, Patia, Damana, Unit-4, Unit-1 and Unit-2 area will be decentralised by shifting vegetable vendors to other places to avoid large congregations of people.

The Zonal Deputy Commissioners will identify suitable places in consultation with respective market associations and local ACP/IIC for decentralisation of the haats. The places identified during the first phase of the pandemic can be utilised for the purpose, a BMC release said.

To ensure proper implementation of social distancing norms, BMC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary has directed the deputy commissioners of the three zones to undertake demarcation and barricading in their respective jurisdictions.

The vendors are required to sit sufficiently apart and social distancing norms be adhered to by them as well as the buyers. it added.

The deputy commissioners have been instructed to seal the shops for violation of social distancing norms and not using the mask.