Follow norms to avoid lockdown: Mundhe

Nagpur: The second day of janata curfew called by the civic administration was a complete success with most shops barring a few groceries and pharmacies remaining closed. There was little traffic on the roads. Mayor Sandip Joshi and municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe thanked Nagpurians for their cooperation.
The major markets of the city — Sadar, Sitabuldi, Dharampeth, Central Avenue, Itwari etc — wore a deserted look on Sunday. Shops in residential areas also remained closed. Government as well as private offices were closed it being a Sunday.
Mundhe in a press communiqué said that people should show the same sense of responsibility in the coming days. They should wear masks, maintain social distancing and follow other norms. This would obviate the need for imposing a prolonged lockdown, the press release stated.
Joshi said that Nagpur had passed the litmus test of janata curfew. “In the coming four days all public representatives, right from MPs to corporators, would move around the city urging people to follow government norms. Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) should not be forced to impose a lockdown,” he said.
Ashwin Mehadia, president of Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce (NVCC), said that traders had done their bit and now Mundhe should comply with their request of allowing markets to function on weekdays with complete lockdown on Saturday and Sunday.
Other shopkeepers also want Mundhe not to impose a lockdown. “I kept my shop closed for two days on commissioner’s appeal. Now he must think about my bread and butter. Lockdown should not be imposed, else everybody will face financial troubles. Everybody has suffered a lot due to the lockdown in summer,” said mobile store owner Karan Grover.
Many grocery stores, which were open during lockdown, had downed their shutters during the janata curfew. Rajesh Shahu, owner of a grocery store, said that he had kept his establishment closed as a responsible citizen. “I wanted NMC to realize that we can act responsibly. Now, it should not impose a lockdown,” he told TOI.
Domestic helps did not turn up for work in most homes. Family members had to share housework in their absence. Kirti Patel, a doctor, said that she had to go to her hospital despite the curfew. “I had to do housework as well as my official work. Of course, my husband and kids shared household tasks but still lack of domestics is a big problem. Some concessions should be made for women who work in essential services,” she said.