Second weekend lockdown in Noida and Ghaziabad: No let-up in border curbs, checking intensified

NOIDA/GHAZIABAD: Movement across the border with Delhi would remain restricted in the second phase of the weekend lockdown from 10pm on Friday and only those with valid passes would be allowed, officials in both Noida and Ghaziabad have said.
The officials have, however, clarified that unnecessary travel will not be allowed. “Movement across the border with Delhi will be restricted so that unnecessary travel is avoided. All essential and medical services and people with government-approved passes are already being allowed,” said Suhas LY, the Noida DM. He added that the Dial 112 vans would continue to patrol the city to ensure residents follow the lockdown guidelines.
Noida reissued guidelines for the weekend lockdown on Friday and said that all offices and commercial operations, including malls, shops and markets, would remain closed, except for those involved in essential services like groceries, vegetables, and medicines.
In Ghaziabad, district magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey said the movement of essential services would continue unhindered. “As stated earlier, passes will be needed to get out of the district as we will intensify checking at the Delhi border,” said Pandey. “If we allow movement across the border for all, it will defeat the purpose of the lockdown. So, commuters willing to travel in these two days should be ready with their passes,” he added.
On Friday morning, there was a state government order directing banks to remain closed every Saturday. It was withdrawn later. Those going to the airport and railway stations will also be allowed.