E-tailers to deliver food at doorstep in Lucknow

LUCKNOW: After five days of chaos, confusion and inconvenience, people can now expect relief as the district administration has given permission to 62 e-commerce companies, retail giants and online supermarkets to provide home delivery of essential commodities from Thursday.
“In view of countrywide lockdown imposed to check spread of novel coronavirus infection, permission has been granted for home delivery of essential commodities,” an order issued by district magistrate Abhishek Prakash said.

Managers of all the malls have been directed to allow retail giants like Big Bazaar, Spencer’s, Family Bazar, Easy Day, Round-O-Clock, Smart Baniye and Vishal Mega Mart, among others, to operate stores and godowns to ensure home delivery of essential products to masses through online booking.
The DM said small grocery stores across the cities serving their neighbourhood could also deliver goods at people’s doorsteps.
“All establishments, big or small, have been asked to ensure proper sanitation on their premises and social distancing among the staff. Action will be taken against those not following directives,” he said.
ADM (trans-Gomti) Vishwa Bhushan said, “We think home delivery mechanism in the city is sufficient to cater to the demand of entire population. Special passes have been issued to workers of retail stores, grocery shops, medical stores and others under essential services so that they can move out to perform duties during lockdown. The services will start from Thursday.” Speaking on the announcement by CM Yogi Adityanath that 10,000 vehicles would be arranged to ensure doorstep delivery of essential items, Bhushan said a decision on the issue would be taken on Thursday. The 62 companies given permission for home delivery include seven supermarkets, two ecommerce giants (Amazon and Flipkart), two online food delivery services (Swiggy and Zomato) and four online appbased supermarkets Grofers, Big Basket, Best Price and Metro. Together they have a workforce of over 8,000 delivery men. Retail outlets, grocery stores and warehouses may work from 6am to 11pm while medical stores near hospitals, emergency services and petrol pumps have been allowed to function round the clock.