NEW DELHI: The Laxmi Nagar main market and some nearby marketplaces have been closed by the east Delhi district administration till July 5 following violation of Covid protocols there, officials said on Wednesday.
Markets in Vijay Chowk, Subhash Chowk, Jagatram Park and Guru Ramdas Nagar have also been mentioned in the DM’s order for shutdown till 10 pm of July 5. DM Sonika Singh in the order has said that the Covid-19 guidelines issued by the Central government and the World Health Organization (WHO) must be followed strictly, however, a report by the Preet Vihar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) flagged the violations by shopkeepers, vendors and customers in Laxmi Nagar and its nearby markets.
Only those shops dealing in essential goods and services will be allowed in these markets.
There are a number of electronic shops, textile showrooms and eateries in these markets.
“The guidelines/directions of Covid protocol are being contravened in the Main Bazar, Laxmi Nagar which may cause super spreading of the corona virus. The Market Welfare Association of Main Bazaar, Laxmi Nagar has failed to ensure the strict compliance of guidelines of Covid-19,” the order said.
“To curtail the spreading of the virus in the larger interest of the public, it was necessary to take an immediate and stringent action,” it said.
According to a textile shop owner Prakash Singh, people were not following rules. “Now, shopkeepers will suffer loss. We were hoping that we could stand on our feet now. Last year, we suffered a lot and this year will be no different,” he said.
