Delhi govt orders Sarojini Nagar market to operate on odd-even basis on December 25-26

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Friday directed that shops and street vendors in the Sarojini Nagar Market will follow odd-even operations for the weekend of December 25 and 26 in order to prevent the popular south Delhi market from becoming a super spreader for Covid-19.
The government’s order came after earlier in the day the Delhi high court termed overcrowding at the market a scary situation, Covid or no Covid. A viral video of massive overcrowding at the market was played before the court.
The order for odd-even operation issued by the office of the sub divisional magistrate, Vasant Vihar on Friday evening states that ‘increasing footfalls are seen in Sarojini Nagar market during last few days; and therefore with the need to control the same in light of the rapid spike in daily cases and positivity; it was decided unanimously by all Market Trade Associations in the meeting held on 24th December 2021, to follow odd-even operations for weekend of 25th & 26th December 2021’.
With the market witnessing overcrowding in the last few days, a meeting of all the stakeholder of market was convened at 7 pm on Friday by the Tehsildar (Vasant Vihar) regarding maintenance of Covid appropriate behaviour.
It was decided in the meeting that the Director (Enforcement) New Delhi Municipal Council and SHO, Sarojini Market shall ensure that no unauthorised vendor or street vendor is operating in the market and there shall be no encroachment in the entire market. Shop owners will not be allowed to encroach upon the public path or permit space in front of shops for any unauthorised use. Violations of these norms would result in the shop getting sealed and FIR will be registered against the owner by NDMC.
Entry to the market would only be from gate numbers 1,3 and 5 and the exit would be from gate numbers 2, 2A and 4.
All the shopkeepers will have to ensure 100% vaccination of their staff and helpers in a vaccination camp set up within the market. The minutes of the meeting mention that it was assured by the representatives of all market associations that they take full responsibility for ensuring Covid appropriate behaviour and in implementing the direction of Delhi Disaster Management Authority orders in letter & spirit.