Delhi: Sadar Bazar stretch closed till Tuesday for violations

NEW DELHI: Another prominent market in the city is facing action for violation of Covid norms after the district administration decided to close down a part of main Sadar Bazar market — Bara Tooti Chowk to Qutub Road — from 10pm on July 10 till July 13, 10pm.
However, traders’ associations are unhappy with the decision, saying that in spite of repeated requests, the administration is not calling a joint meeting with all departments concerned and market associations to understand the reasons behind violations and find concrete solutions.
“We spoke to the SDM on Saunday too and said that unless a joint meeting is called, it will be difficult to find a genuine solution,” said Rakesh Yadav, president of Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders. “Shutting the shops causes huge losses to general traders who are anyway not responsible for managing crowds on roads.”
The order by SDM Kotwali stated the market was being closed due to heavy footfall and lack of social distancing in the area. “It is necessary to take an immediate and stringent action to curtail the spreading of the virus and not to develop any public place as a super spreader. The market from Bar Tooti Chowk to Qutub Road is hereby restricted to open till July 13,” stated the order.
Traders of Sadar Bazar claimed that they have formed a team of 21 members to check that Covid norms are adhered to by the shopkeepers thoroughly. “They are communicating with shopkeepers individually or through public address systems,” said Rajendra Sharma, general secretary of federation.
Earlier, Gaffar Market, Laxmi Nagar, 12 shops at Gandhi Nagar, Nangloi, Rui Market and Lajpat Nagar market faced closure for Covid violations.