City Lockdown Day-2! Roads Look Deserted, but BIG Rush at Central Market Early Morning
Mangaluru : Like I have said in my last article that was published on 27 March, (Ref: Janarige Bashe Ella! SOCIAL DISTANCING at Central Veg Market is Just the OPPOSITE?), and it seems like “Janarige Innu Saha Bashe Ella”, the way they shop at Central Veg Market, rushing and falling over each other to buy their items, ignoring guidelines issued by the govt regarding Coronavirus, and also to follow Social Distancing. The crowd that had thronged to Central market to buy their commodities, had the cops a tough time to control them and warn them about their violations. But by 7.30 am – 8 am, the police were able to clear the people in and around the Market- and made the market look empty. Once again, despite complete lockdown imposed by the district administration to control the spread of coronavirus, crowds thronged the city’s markets on Sunday March 29.
While a few vendors were selling fruits and veggies on the roadside, milk booths and medical shops made brisk business, with people buying twice more than their usual limits, fearing that they may not get their items later- but sadly people were just crowding these street side vendors. Oh well! Even though the District Admin had released a circular about the list of grocery stores/shops that people could buy their commodities in their localities, but Team Mangalorean taking a ride in the City, didn’t see any of those mentioned shops open. How Nice! Seems like it was just a publicity stunt to fool the citizens.
During the meeting held on Saturday evening, District in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary had advised people to observe social distancing and follow other guidelines as a precaution to contain the coronavirus. But the scene at the Central market was totally different, with majority of the people not wearing face masks and not adhering to social distancing. But in many cases, police warned the people to wear face masks next time they visit the market. Even though the elected leaders are trying a plan to deliver goods at doorsteps, but many think that it won’t work, looking at the city’s population, and also concerning about the seniors, who will not be able to deal with the Apps to order online.
So, what’s the story for tomorrow, is all in the hands of the minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, who may or may not decide to lift the total lockdown on 30 March- so until you check our website this evening or night, keep your fingers crossed-and hope for the best- that the TOTAL LOCKDOWN is lifted on Monday, 30 March.
On a serious note I want to applaud the real good section of the citizens of Mangaluru for following the orders and guidelines of the govt and district administration by not coming on to the streets either by driving, riding or walking – city’s streets look bare and it is due to the efforts and seriousness put in by the Mangaloreans without the warning or interference of cops. Kudos Mangaloreans for staying home and being safe.
Watch the video how the city roads look today with Mangaloreans deciding to stay home and be safe from Covid-19
