Lockdown returns in Bhopal: Day 1 passes smoothly as citizens stay home

BHOPAL: The state capital remained deserted on the first day of the 10-day lockdown that was imposed from Friday night. Police barricades were seen at all important movement points of the city. Shops and all commercial establishments remained closed, even banks remained closed for public and only 30% staff of banks were allowed, that too for official works.

Though people were spotted on streets, it was less compared to normal days. The commuters were asked about the reasons for travel by police at the checkpoints that have been made in the city. Only those with genuine reasons were allowed to move. The entire New Market, all the malls, restaurants of the city remained closed.

In the old city area also, locals mostly remained indoors. The conditions were such that police did not have to take strict action as people remained indoors on their own, said sources.

In government offices , staffers were seen but the attendance was less, as only 30% of the people had come, following the instructions of the general administration department, which ordered presence of only 30% employees at the offices. All religious places that were opened on June 8, after the long lockdown of more than two months, remained closed on Saturday.

Several utility services such as petrol pumps, postal services, ATMs, LPG delivery services, medical stores, Sanchi milk parlours , government ration shops, hospitals, industries, e-commerce-related activities have been kept out of the lockdown. People related to these services are not required to have any pass, but they will have to carry their identity cards. The vendors who are into supplying milk and newspaper from door to door have been kept free from this lockdown between 6.30 am and 9.30 am.