New Delhi: The Delhi government on Friday evening directed the shopkeepers and street vendors at Sarojini Nagar market to observe odd-even operation for the weekend of December 25 and 26 that the popular south Delhi market considered a hotspot for super spreader COVID-19.
The order came after the Delhi High Court, earlier in the day, termed overcrowding in the market as a scary situation, covid or no covid. A viral video of the massive overcrowding was played in front of the court.
According to the order issued by the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Vasant Vihar, “The Sarojini Nagar market is witnessing increasing crowd during the last few days; And, therefore, with the need to control the same in the light of the rapid increase in daily cases and positivity, the decision to observe odd-even operation for the weekend of 25th December unanimously by all the market associations in the meeting held on 24th December and decision was taken.
A meeting of all stakeholders regarding maintenance of COVID-appropriate behavior was called by the Tehsildar of Vasant Vihar at 7 pm. New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Director (Enforcement) and SHO, Sarojini Market Police Station will ensure that no unauthorized vendors are operating in the market and there is no encroachment.
The shopkeepers shall not be allowed to encroach upon the public path or permitted space for any unauthorized use. Violation of these norms will result in the sealing of the shop and registration of an FIR against the owner by NDMC.
The entry to the market will be done only from gate numbers 1, 3, and 5 and exits 2, 2A, and 4.
All the shopkeepers will have to ensure 100% vaccination of their staff and helpers in the vaccination camp set up inside the market.