Pune: Decision to reopen shops in city to be made on Monday

Pune: The demand made by the Federation of Trade Association of Pune (FTAP) of opening all shops in the core 'peth' city area will most likely be accepted on Monday. Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar has instructed District Collectorate and Municipal Corporation officials to address this issue in consultation with Police Commissioner K Venkatesham in a meeting scheduled on Monday.

Shops in areas like Raviwar Peth, Somwar Peth, Mangalwar Peth, Budhwar Peth, Guruwar Peth, Shukrawar Peth, Bhawani Peth, Rasta Peth, Ganesh Peth, Nana Peth and Yerawada have been asked to remain close by the municipal corporation and police officials. FTAP President Fattehchand Ranka, Vice President Ratan Kirad, Secretary Mahendra Pitaliya, Atul Ashtekar, Vipul Ashtekar and other members met Pawar in the Council Hall on Saturday, Divisional Commissioner Dr Deepak Mhaisekar, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad, Special Officer Saurabh Rao were present for the meeting.

The FATP has demanded that only the surroundings where the COVID-suspects are found should be sealed and not the entire area. Businesses should be allowed to be operational in the containment zones too except the affected buildings or surroundings. Deputy CM Pawar asked on whose orders the shops have been closed to which officials said that police have issued these orders. Pawar then ordered Rao to schedule a meeting on Monday in which Police Commissioner K Venkatesham should be invited

Ranka said, "We have not demanded to reopen shops where patients are found. There are many areas where no patients are found and still, shops are kept closed. It is not wise to seal the entire area. A conscious decision should be taken keeping in mind the safety of citizens and shopkeepers."

Meanwhile, coronavirus cases in Pune region are nearing the mark of 9,000.