NAGPUR: The fear of contracting
Covid infection and also rumours about it’s
lockdown made many stay indoors not just in the cities in Vidarbha where lockdown has been enforced, but also where only
Covid restrictions have been imposed.
Barring sporadic movement of people to buy essentials till 3pm, roads and main squares in Amravati wore a deserted look. Similar scenes were witnessed in Achalpur, Akola, Murtijapur and Akot towns in Amravati division.
In Nagpur, streets in usually busy market areas had enough space for vehicles to move freely on Tuesday even though only restrictions have been imposed in the city. Shopkeepers sat with arms resting on their chins waiting for a customer to turn up. Markets in Nagpur, which are supposed to shut down at 9pm, bore a deserted look throughout the day. Shopkeepers said the crowds have dwindled slowly since a week. This was due to the news that Covid cases are rising again. With the restrictions imposed, many are thinking that it’s lockdown, said local vendors.
Fifty-year-old Hema Dalal, who sells crockery on the streets in Mangalwari market, said she was not aware that weekly markets have been shut till March 7. “Since I had come down, I thought of better trying my luck as well, but haven’t sold a single piece yet,” she said.
The tales that were heard often during the lockdown days were heard again. “I move around weekly markets each day. My husband passed away, and I have to bring up my three daughters. It will be tough if there is no business till March 7,” she said.
In Mominpura, the streets were not deserted but the crowds were much lesser than it has been usually. The area was declared a containment zone last year. “Business was dull,” said vendors here, as the famous Mominpura eateries were also empty.
The fear was evident in the locality. “The number of persons turning up for Covid tests has gone up by three times, as against last month. But those tested positive can be counted on the fingers,” said an attendant at the NMC testing centre in Mominpura.
There were no signs of crowd in Sitabuldi too. “People are scared about getting infected. Shops can remain open till 9pm, but the curbs have affected travel to the city also. The shops here depend on customers from nearby pockets,” said a street vendor here.
“It’s evening and I have earned just Rs20,” lamented Lalta Prasad, an aged chana seller.
Fruit sellers in Mangalwari cater to the upper class clients. However, Anil Sahu, one of the vendors, said the sales are down for nearly a week. “It may be due to Covid or people have cut down on spending,” said another. Apart from street shops, even stores selling branded ware were empty.
Amravati restaurants, hotels, gyms, swimming pools, indoor stadiums, religious places etc remained shut while retail medical shops also put down shutters after 3pm following collector’s orders. In Anjangaon Surji, a fine of Rs25,000 was recovered from one Jahid Khan Yusuf Khan for violating marriage reception restriction on number of guests. He has also been booked under Section 188.
Association of Marriage Hall and Lawn Owners has raised concern saying if buses to even aircraft are running at full capacity, why should there be a limit of 50 persons for weddings. Like other events, it should be 200 persons or 50% of capacity.