More markets in Howrah to be shut to curb spread of Coronavirus

Kolkata: More markets will be closed at the urban parts of Howrah district to check the spread of COVID-19.

This comes when a major part of the district's urban areas have been identified as sensitive zones. Sources said that the markets will be closed once the arrangement of ensuring door-to-door delivery of essentials is done in the areas, people of which are dependable on these markets.

Till date two markets - Pilkhana Bazaar and Haraganj Bazaar - were closed by the police. Twelve markets shifted and space of 17 expanded. According to a senior officer of the district administration, steps have already been taken to prepare a mechanism to ensure delivery of vegetables and other essentials at doorsteps of residents. At least four to five markets will be closed once the mechanism for these areas will be in place.

The Howrah City Police is ensuring delivery of essentials at the doorsteps of the residents of Pilkhana and Malipanchghara where markets were closed. Whatsapp groups, in which residents of the area are also members, have been set up and in the same residents can leave a message if they need any sort of help from the police.

Howrah City Police, on Saturday, pulled up 15 people on charges of violating lockdown norms and 22 vehicles were prosecuted. There is a complete lockdown in the areas under the jurisdiction of police stations including Shibpur, Howrah and Malipanchghara. There are constant bike patrolling and route march by the police in between Kazipara to Salkia and in Pilkhana and Tikiapara areas. Surveillance has also been carried out using drone.

Police also arranged for Kiran Ambulance for a 21-year-old BSc student, who resides alone here, in taking her to a heart clinic at Salt Lake as she suddenly fell ill. Help has also been extended to an elderly woman by sending her essentials after her son contacted the police from Bangalore, where he is stuck due to lockdown.

The police, amid lockdown, also helped another woman reach her mother-in-law, who was staying alone. The elderly was staying alone and ran out of food and essentials. The woman was taken in a car following all lockdown norms. The police even stood beside another elderly woman, Falguni Das, helping her to get the supply of cooking gas.