Pune: Despite the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the suburbs, the shops in these areas continue to remain open till late at night. While the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) administration has allowed all shops in the city to remain open till 7 pm, shopkeepers in the suburbs are defying the administration's order and staying open late at night. Citizens have complained that the municipal corporation and the police are not taking action against the shops which are open till 10 pm.
The municipal administration has observed that the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing in the central part of the city as well as in some part the cases are declining. The administration has expressed concern over the increase in the number of COVID-19 patients in Wadgaon Dhayari, Dhankawadi, Balajinagar, Sukhsagarnagar, Bibwewadi, Katraj, Warje and Uttamnagar areas as compared to the central areas.
After the restrictions were relaxed, the city's grocery stores, as well as restaurants serving parcel services, have been allowed to remain open until 7 pm. In reality, however, shops in the suburbs remain open until 10 pm or till late at night. Citizens of Sukhsagar Nagar area of Bibwewadi informed that the administration is keeping an eye on the number of victims and the crowd in the shop premises.
While the shops were allowed to remain open till evening, the traders in the suburbs are continuing their shops in defiance of the administration's order. No action is being taken against shops in the suburbs. In many places, not enough care is taken to curb the spread of the virus, and social distancing norms are continuously flouted. No action is being taken against the shops which remain open till late at night, citizens told Sakal Times on condition of anonymity.
"COVID-19 restricted everyone. Everyone should recognise the responsibility and follow the rules. It is equally important to take care to prevent infection. Strict action will be taken if there are complaints of non-compliance with the rules or if the shops are open till late at night," says Dr Ravindra Shiswe, Joint Commissioner of Police, Pune Police.
