Ensure fool-proof lockdown in Hills, urges CM

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Amitava Banerjee | MP | 17 April 2020 | Darjeeling: The Chief Minister on Friday instructed the District Magistrate of Darjeeling to ensure that lockdown is strictly implemented in the border town of Siliguri. 

In an administrative meeting on Friday, the Chief Minister through video conferencing instructed S Ponnambalam, DM, Darjeeling, to stringently implement the lockdown in the district. Incidentally, Ponnambalam also took charge as the DM on Friday. 

"Siliguri is a border town. It is the gateway to North East and Bihar. Many people from outside come to Siliguri or pass through it. The lockdown has to be strongly enforced in Siliguri. The District Magistrate will look into this," said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. 

Guard rails were put up on all major thoroughfares and residential areas in Siliguri on Friday. Surprise checks were conducted and vehicles were stopped. 

In Darjeeling, Chowk Bazar and motor stand area painted a different picture on Friday. The Darjeeling Police, district administration and Darjeeling Municipalities have come up with a new set of norms that were implemented. 

The vegetable market that has a number of entry points was barricaded by guard rails. A single entry and single exit point has been earmarked. At any point of time only 10 persons are being allowed into the market. 

"It is mandatory for shopkeepers to wear masks and gloves and keep sanitisers in the shops. The customers have to wear masks as well. If a customer does not wear a mask he/she will not be allowed entry. Any violation will lead to persecution," stated Rahul Pandey, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling. 

Thermal scanners are being used to check people entering the market. Four wheelers with proper travel permits issued by the police are being allowed with 2 passengers for smaller vehicles and 3 passengers for SUVs. Checks are being conducted at Bokshikhora and Singamari, the two entry points to the town. 

"57 persons were arrested on Friday for flouting lockdown norms and 38 vehicles not allowed to enter town as they did not have any valid reason," added Tirtha Sarathi Nath, IC, Darjeeling. 

Meanwhile, Dr GK Dhali, member of the medical team of the state said: "4 persons have recovered and were released from the COVID-19 Hospital in Siliguri and 4 persons were admitted at the COVID Screening hospital on Friday. 30 tests were conducted at the lab in NBMCH on Thursday where all tested negative." 

(Courtesy, source and link- Millenium Post- http://www.millenniumpost.in/kolkata/ensure-fool-proof-lockdown-in-hills-urges-cm-407459 )