Old Nashik area traders to observe Janata Curfew

NASHIK: Traders in the old city area have decided to observe Janata Curfew for a week beginning Sunday while residents have volunteered to observe it for two weeks, as this part of Nashik has witnessed a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases.
The traders took a decision in this regard at an emergency meeting, attended by police inspector Sajan Sonawane, former mayors Nitin Pande and Yatin Wagh and hawker union leaders, on Saturday.
Senior PI Sajan Sonawane of the Bhadrakali police said the residents of the area already started observing the fortnight-long curfew from Saturday and that the empty streets was a sign that everyone is serious about stopping the spread of coronavirus.
Prafullakumar Sancheti, an office-bearer of Nashik Vyapari Association, said the week-long curfew is a voluntary decision taken up by the traders. “All business establishments in the old city area will remain closed for a week. We don’t want to be a cause for spreading the coronavirus infection,” he said.
Traders from Old Nashik area to voluntarily observe janata curfew
The old city is surrounded by Dwarka, Pakhal Road, Panchavati areas, where the number of Covid-19 patients is more than 500. Another problem is that these areas are densely populated, with a close network of shops and traders, narrow lanes and bylanes.
“People from these areas are working with us. Since patients have been found in their homes and or neighbourhood, we have asked them to stay home,” sad former mayor Vinayak Pande.
Corporator Gajanan Shelar of the old city area said that although slightly late, people have started understanding the gravity of the Covid-19 situation and cooperating with the authorities.
“Hospitals are facing shortage of beds. Religious heads are coming forward to spread awareness. The speakers in Masjids which are used only for ‘azaan’ are now being used by police to spread awareness . It is good that people from the old city have joined hands to break the chain of Covid-19,” he said.
Deputy commissioner of police Amol Tambe hailed the decision by the traders and citizens to observe Janata Curfew. “Some high-risk zones have already been sealed by the NMC. In some areas, citizens have voluntarily decided to observe curfew. Police on their part have put up barricades to prevent movement of people,” he said.
Ganesh Shelar, an office-bearer of the union said, “It is a difficult time for hawkers as they have started earning something after three months. They have taken loans of Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 each, some of them borrowed even more money. They are still ready to cooperate because the health and life of people is important.”