Hindustan Times (Bathinda)

In Chandigarh, public transport likely to resume

RELAXATION­S ON CARDS Odd-even rule for shops likely to go, final decision in meeting presided over by Badnore today

- Munieshwer A Sagar munieshwer.sagar@htlive.com

CHANDIGARH: With the central government issuing fresh guidelines for the lockdown 4.0 post May 17, the UT administra­tion is planning to resume public transport, allow interstate movement of vehicles and persons without passes and opening of Sector 17 and Madhya Marg markets among other relaxation­s in the city.

The final decision on relaxation­s will be taken in a meeting to be presided over by UT administra­tor VPS Badnore on Monday. The city was placed under lockdown on the midnight of May 3, after the curfew imposed since March 24 was lifted. A number of relaxation­s were also allowed between 7am and 7pm.

CHANDIGARH : After nearly two months of remaining off road, public transport in Chandigarh is all set to be back on track.

With the central government issuing fresh guidelines for the lockdown 4.0 post May 17, the UT administra­tion is planning to resume public transport, allow interstate movement of vehicles and persons without passes and opening of Sector 17 and Madhya Marg markets among other relaxation­s in the city.

The final decision on relaxation­s will be taken in a meeting to be presided over by UT administra­tor VPS Badnore on Monday.

The city was placed under lockdown on the midnight of May 3, after the curfew imposed since March 24 was lifted. A number of relaxation­s were also allowed between 7am and 7pm.

Manoj Kumar Parida, UT adviser, said, “As per the central government guidelines, we are considerin­g to resume local and interstate bus services. Apart from this, a decision will also be taken on whether to open Madhya Marg and Sector 17 markets besides other congested ones in Sectors 19 and 22. The UT administra­tor will hold a meeting on Monday to take a final call.”

Discussion will also be held on whether to continue with oddeven formula for opening shops in inner sector markets.

On Sunday, the Centre allowed interstate transport in public and private vehicles, with mutual consent of states and UTS. The public transport will be opened with partial capacity, as only 50% of the seats will be allowed to be used.

DECISION ON RED ZONE

With the Centre empowering states and UTS to delineate red, orange and green zones, the UT administra­tion will also be deciding on the red zone designatio­n for the city.

As many as 191 Covid-19 cases have been reported in the city till Sunday evening with no fresh case reported for the last four days. “Majority of the cases are from six containmen­t zones, and there has been no fresh case for the last four days. The administra­tor will take the final decision on whether to keep the entire city under red zone or only limited areas,” said a senior UT official, who didn’t want to be named.

The city, designated as a red zone on April 15, has six containmen­t zones. Within these containmen­t zones, only essential activities will be allowed. There will be strict perimeter control to ensure that there is no movement of people in or out of these zones, except for medical emergencie­s and for maintainin­g supply of essential goods and services.

 ?? SANJEEV SHARMA/HT ?? Two men pedalling back home after morning walk at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh on Sunday. Residents are hoping for more relaxation­s under lockdown 4.0.
SANJEEV SHARMA/HT Two men pedalling back home after morning walk at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh on Sunday. Residents are hoping for more relaxation­s under lockdown 4.0.

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