Face Masks: AMC collects fine of Rs 24 lakh from 5,000 ''irresponsible'' citizens, this month

Aurangabad, Sept 25:
The Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is leaving no stone unturned to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease in and around the city. However, the measures taken by the civic authorities during each phase of unlocking situation failed to curb the spread of Covid-19 due to handful number of irresponsible citizens. Adding to the woes, the officials observed that the citizens are not wearing masks, maintaining social distance in the market and using sanitiser. Hence as a last resort, the AMC launched a drive to detect irresponsible citizens.

From September 1 to 24, the civic teams comprising ex-servicemen kept a vigil on the movements of the citizens and collected a fine of Rs 23.92 lakh from 4,784 persons. The squad fine Rs 500 each for not wearing the mask in public places and markets.

The AMC''s appeal was made to individuals as well as shopkeepers (big or small). The civic chief A K Pandey made it mandatory for the the shopkeepers to check the temperature and oxygen level of visitors through thermal screening guns and pulse oximeters.

The squads comprising ex-servicemen were at important squares and circles in the city. It is good that at least Aurangabad, compare to other districts, is safe from community transmission of
Covid-19.