Hyderabad: The ten-day, 20-hour daily shutdown took effect across Telangana at 10 a.m. Wednesday, without the chaos and buying panic that gripped state residents last year.
The police, including the top buyer, were in full swing in the city and in all the districts to ensure that the closure was effectively implemented to control the distribution of Covid19. The exclusion will take place every day from 10:00 to 06:00, with a period of four hours when all business activities are allowed and people can go to the necessities for shopping.
In most districts, top police officers, including commissioners and superintendents, have taken to the streets to ensure effective closure. In contrast to the exclusion in 2020 when people entered into panic buying and rushed in hordes to marketplaces and shops, this time there was relative calm because the people themselves expected the exclusion and prepared for it given the Covid-19 situation in the State. Even the tipplers were a more sober fate than Tuesday when they rushed to the nearest liquor store to pick up supplies after Prime Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao announced the exclusion following a cabinet decision to do so.
Where crowds gathered in some places, especially in liquor stores and vegetable and meat markets, the police quickly moved in to ensure that the situation did not get out of control and warned the people to maintain physical distance. However, there were the bizarre incidents of people arguing with the police, but such problems were also quickly resolved.
All trading establishments, offices and other industries remained closed. All highways in the state had a deserted appearance, except for some vehicles with authorized persons on their way to work and those in need of medical services. However, agriculture and related activities, apart from the pharmaceutical and medical industries, continued their activities without hindrance. Trucks and other goods carriers delivering essential products were also allowed on the main roads. Vehicle traffic blocking those transporting medical supplies and goods was stopped at state borders after 10 p.m.
The Covid-19 however, the testing and vaccination process continued without any obstacles across the State. People lined up in the hospital for the second dose of vaccine. The government has already issued a clear mandate to disrupt those who come to the hospital and go to hospitals.
In most places, police erected roadblocks and did not allow commuters to pass unless there was an emergency or the person was released from the lock. While train stations saw a big rush with people already booking tickets to try to return to their homeland, the crowd at MGBS and Jubilee Bus Stands in Hyderabad was minimal as the TSRTC suspended bus services between districts. Other public transport services, apart from authorities, did not have much demand during rush hour. Similar incidents have been seen in most urban centers across the state.
Many people have been traveling to their home countries early in their own vehicles since Wednesday morning to make sure they reach their destination before the lockdown begins. Heavy movement of vehicles and traffic jams was seen on several highways, especially on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada route. Police from both Telugu states have insisted that only people with valid e-passports issued by the respective states may travel.
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Source: Telangana Today