Stricter lockdown ensues as cops seal multiple 'sensitive zones' in city

Kolkata: Following the instruction by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to maintain lockdown strictly, Kolkata Police has sealed several areas across the city.

On Friday after Banerjee instructed police to maintain lockdown strongly, police have sealed the congested areas in Rajabazar, Belgachhia and Maniktala in North Kolkata. In South Kolkata, parts of Mudiali and Bhowanipore have also been sealed. Several areas in and around Park Circus have been sealed as well.

Police have put up barricades in all the entry and exit points of the areas. No one will be allowed to come out of their house and no one will be allowed to enter either. Police have started announcing about dos and don'ts during the lockdown in these areas.

The residents have been told that in case of any need they should call the local police station and inform about their needs. The essential commodities will be delivered by police to the households for a few days. In every such point, police personnel have been deployed round-the-clock with necessary safety equipments in order to keep strict vigil to prevent unauthorised access.

Police personnel deployed in these areas have been instructed to follow the guidelines of the Health department strictly to stay safe.

Sources informed that in case anyone tries to get out of the area or tries to enter the sealed areas, police may take strong legal action against such offenders. This apart, several markets have been shifted to other places where social distancing norms can be maintained.

In a separate move, New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) is using drones to ensure that the people visiting the markets maintain social distancing.

If a gathering is spotted, NKDA task force reaches the spot and informs the police to disperse the gathering.

The NKDA is allowing one person per family to go to the market. There are 12 markets in New Town run by NKDA. The people have been requested to maintain the norms strictly. Wearing of masks by people visiting the markets has become mandatory and those entering the market have to wash hands with sanitisers or soap. NKDA is carrying out an awareness campaign requesting people to maintain social distancing when they go to the market and wash their hands before entering the markets. NKDA staff has been posted at the gates of the markets to give sanitisers and soaps to the visitors.