Dadasaheb Kamble, Sub Divisional Officer of Baramati has declared all the wards - from one to nineteen number - in Baramati city as containment zones. Due to this, it has become clear that from Monday (September 7), citizens from Baramati will not be able to come on roads in Baramati except for essential services.

The order will be in force from Monday (September 13) to Sunday (September 20). The situation will be reviewed on September 13, the order said. Since the Sub Divisional Officers (SDO) have issued these orders, it has now become clear that the majority of Baramati residents will not be able to step out of their homes.

These orders will be binding on Baramati residents as they have been issued by the 'Incident Commandant' officer. Concerned agencies and officers have been warned to take action against those who deny essential services to patients in the containment zones.

The traders from Baramati had strongly opposed the 14-day voluntary lockdown (Janata curfew) which was scheduled to be implemented from September 7. Narendra Gujarathi, president of Baramati Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mahavir Vadujkar, president of Merchants Association had expressed strong disapproval of the unilateral decision taken by the administration.

The number of Covid-19 cases has crossed the 300 mark in the last few days in Baramati. While some citizens are supporting a strict lockdown, many have questioned whether lockdown is a real option and whether it will actually reduce the number of patients. Traders say that already the economic situation is in turmoil and hence normalcy regarding business transactions should be restored. Other citizens are of the view that saving lives should be on priority while the rest can be handled later.

District Collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh has ordered the administration officials to increase the number of rapid antigen tests conducted in Baramati. Number of Covid-19 cases in Baramati is high as compared to other tehsils in the Pune district.