KNZ NEWS DESK
GANDERBAL, JULY 23: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal Shafqat Iqbal today chaired a meeting of the officers to review the arrangements for ensuing Eid-ul-Adha and to brief the trader’s federation, civil society and clerics about the implementation of fresh lockdown down in the district.
while addressing the meeting, the DC said that in view of surge in Covid positive cases in the district from past few days’ restrictions in terms of Section 144 Cr PC and Section 34 of Disaster Management Act, 2005 have been imposed in the whole district wherein all shops and business establishments except Chemists and essential supplies shall remain closed till 27 July 2020. The order has been issued as a precautionary measure to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the district, he added.
Keeping in view Eid-ul-Adha festival, after reviewing the situation, the DC said that markets shall be opened up after 27 July in a phased manner to avoid gatherings and violation of social distancing protocol by the public thronging market places.
DC impressed upon the traders’ federation to ensure that social distancing is maintained, masks are used by one and all besides hand sanitizers are kept available on all shops for customers and their staff.
DC also appealed the people that all SOPs should be followed with full responsibility and any violation will be viewed seriously and strict action will be taken against the defaulters.
Expressing gratitude to the religious clerics, traders’ federation and civil society of the district for providing cooperation to the District Administration in its mitigating efforts to combat Covid infection, he urged them
to become administration’s messengers and sensitize the general public about the importance of social distancing and other precautions in these difficult times.
While briefing the clerics about the measures to be taken for peaceful celebration of festival, the DC said though district administration has taken all strict measures in efforts to break the chain of its transmission but it is responsibility of the people to cooperate with the district administration and assist it in its efforts as they show cooperation by way of adhering to the related advisories as usual.
while reviewing the arrangements, the DC emphasized on PDD and PHE to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity and drinking water across the district during the festival days.
Stressing on cleanliness and sanitation, EO Municipality Ganderbal was directed to ensure maintenance of proper sanitation and regular lifting of garbage around religious and market places.
Meanwhile, DC warned the unscrupulous traders to desist from using unfair trade practices and directed that rate lists are visible at their shops and essential commodities are sold as per the rate list already notified by the concerned departments.
Among others the meeting was attended by ADC Ganderbal, Farooq Ahmad Baba, ASP Ganderbal, CPO, ACR and various other officers/officials from civil administration.
