Srinagar: With number of Covid-19 positive cases surging in Srinagar district, the district authorities on Monday conducted a special drive and sealed over thirty business establishments for violation the standard operating procedures (SOPs) notified for keeping the infections at bay.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad today inspected various markets of the city to take stock of the implementation of Covid-19 SOPs to combat the possible 3rd wave of Covid-19, as predicted by the medical experts.
The DC was accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Sandeep Chowdhary and other senior officers of district administration including Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr Syed Hanief Balkhi; Sub Divisional Magistrate East, Owais Mushtaq; Tehsildar South, Moen Kakroo and other officers.
During the visit, the DC inspected various markets of Srinagar city including Lal Chowk, Forest Lane, Dalgate, Poloview, M.A Road, Regal Chowk, Residency Road, Amira Kadal, Hari Singh High Street, Maharaja Bazar, Gonikhan, Jehangir Chowk, Batmaloo and other adjoining business hubs.
During the inspection over two dozen business outlets/establishments were sealed which include Time & Sound, Samsung Phone Gallery, LG Appliances, Ahdoos Bakery, Flower Gallery, Beauty Corner, Fine Walk, U&I Cloth Shop, West End, Bhaijan, J&K Motors M.A Road, Jan Bakery Dalgate, Neelam Textiles, Bahurani, Hamdan, LG New Melodie Radios, Peter England, New Kashmir Metal Mart, New Kashmir Ornament House, OCM, Lal Chowk Bund, Imperial Shah Stores. etc., an official press release informed. It said a fine of Rs 20,000 was also imposed on violators of Covid-19 SOPs.
The inspection was carried out to take stock of implementation of various Covid-related advisories and guidelines including use of face masks, maintaining social distancing in various business establishments and other public places.
On the occasion, the DC interacted with the traders, pedestrians and transporters and asked them to exhibit strict compliance to the government directions for larger public safety and health.
He appealed the people with folded-hands to cooperate with district administration and strictly follow Covid-19 SOPs, guidelines and precautions to control the spread of infection.
The DC said no one has the right to infect others and people who do not wear masks and avoid mass gatherings will face action as per law.
With regard to inoculation of anti-Covid-19 shots, the DC urged the left-out population of Srinagar district to visit nearest vaccination centers and get vaccinated at an earliest to defeat any possible 3rd wave of Covid-19 pandemic.
During the visit, the DC provided face masks to some shopkeepers and pedestrians who were without masks. He also counseled them and cautioned them to remain careful in future regarding wearing of masks besides adopting Covid-appropriate behavior to avoid contracting infection.
Meanwhile, the DC said that 50 percent of the total Covid-19 positive cases are coming from Srinagar and added that if Covid SOPs are not followed, the administration will be forced to take strict measures again.
He said any laxity or negligence in terms of following the Covid-appropriate behaviour will constraint the administration to go for harsh measures in Srinagar to break the chain of Covid-19 infections.
