Kolkata: Burrabazar garments hub new problem point

Zeeshan Javed & Dwaipayan Ghosh | TNN | Updated: Apr 26, 2020, 12:06 IST

Ward 23 in Burrabazar has become a fresh cause of concern for the government

KOLKATA: A garments hub in Burrabazar has now emerged as a hotspot for novel coronavirus with multiple cases surfacing in the past few days and at least two deaths, where deceased were diagnosed with Covid-19.
The place has now become a new problem point for government with many within the administration fearing if the virus is not restricted within the containment zone, it may spill over to neighbouring areas.
In the past two weeks, six cases of novel coronavirus have surfaced in ward number 23 spreading between Mechhua and Ganesh Talkies on one side and Sir Hari Ram Goenka Street and Kalakar Street on the other side. At least two people have died and their death certificates mentioned that they were Covid-19 positive. Ward 23 is the most congested ward of the city with even small vehicles unable to access the narrow bylanes.
On Thursday, a businessman residing in Hanspukur Lane in Ward 23 died at a private hospital after which the police barricaded some of the lanes and bylanes and started sanitising the pocket. The family of the deceased businessman has been quarantined at home.
Residents have alleged the local administration and elected representatives of the area were not proactive enough in the initial stages leading to the spread of the virus. They said they were now living in fear.
“There were hardly any precautionary measures put in place by the administration when it all started. Even now people continue to roam around disobeying the lockdown. Young boys roam around in motorbikes but the police do not react. We had appealed to the local police and councillor to disinfect the place and seal the areas where cases were found but no action was taken,” said Balaram Pandey, a resident of Roy Lane near Ganesh Talkies.
Some of the nearby spots which are now part of containment zones are Madan Mohan Burman Street, Pathuriaghata, Armenian Street, Burtolla, Beniatala, PK Tagore Street, Hari Ghosh Street and Mondal Street.
Areas like Burtolla Street, Adi Banstulla Street, Sir Hari Ram Goenka Street in Ward 23 are considered wholesale and retail hub for saris, kids’ wear and hosiery. It is residential cum commercial areas where streets are always bustling with activities. Administration has taken several measures in the area to prevent the transmission of the virus like quarantining family members of those affected, implementing social distancing measures in wholesale markets and shutting Raja Katra market.
Councillor Vijay Ojha said he was trying his best to help the people and requesting everybody to stay indoors and step out only in an emergency. “Every building in ward is being sanitised,” said Ojha. Police said the micro-level intense lockdowns will need locals to take up the onus. “It cannot be a cat and mouse game,” said an officer.