On Thursday, the first day of the curfew imposed by Maharashtra government against the backdrop of increasing coronavirus cases, free movement of citizens was seen in major cities across the state, including Mumbai. Most of the shops were open in the morning markets. The shops that had lock on their front gate were operating from their back door. Many fruit and vegetable vendors lined the streets. With few exceptions, even the police were not seen intercepting civilians on the streets.
The metropolitan Mumbai was seen running as usual till half past noon. Small markets and shops, including all the major markets, were in full swing. Dadar Market, as usual, had the appearance of a fair. BEST buses and local trains were running with full capacity. Although there was no usual crowd at the important railway stations including Byculla, Kurla, Ghatkopar and Andheri, there was a question as to where the curfew was.
In the afternoon, however, the traffic became thin on the roads. Nagpur, Amravati, Pune, Ahmednagar and other cities with the highest covid cases were not much different. Despite the second day of curfew in Pune city, the road congestion remained.
The police were also not seen intercepting anyone. So it didn't look like there wwas any curfew the name of the curfew was such a picture. The markets in Nagpur were crowded as usual. Road congestion was also seen in Aurangabad and Nanded.
In Kolhapur, Satara city, the police took punitive action against those who went out without any reason, but the citizens were seen walking around without any reason.
How will the corona wave go?
-"Despite the curfew, people are still on the streets. The curfew will be strictly enforced from Friday and whoever it is will be dealt with strictness," Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar told reporters here on Thursday.- He also warned to close petrol, grocery and vegetable shops if necessary.- Wadettiwar said that the local service, which is the lifeline of Mumbai, will continue. But, it is only for essential services.- The government is considering the option of keeping the petrol pump closed or giving petrol-diesel only to the person in the essential service who has the letter of the concerned authority.- There are also plans to further limit the time of vegetable and grocery stores. If people are crowding, then we have to consider closing it tomorrow. Discussions are underway on how to make stricter rules in this regard.