CHENNAI: There were more walkers on pavements along beaches and roads near parks on Tuesday when the new restrictions to contain the spread of Covid-19 kicked in.
Police, who had since April 11 stopped people from entering beaches, were a harassed lot. “The pavements and roads were crowdeed as parks were closed. We had to use public address system to send many away,” said a senior officer. Of the 2,000 police personnel that commissioner Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal had promised would help enforce the new restrictions including night curfew, at least 250 were on the barricaded stretch from Napier bridge to Srinivasapuram along the Marina.
To ensure the night curfew is not violated, 200 check posts will be put up in many places especially on arterial roads.
“We have closed at least 38 flyovers by keeping barricades across the road. Only people with genuine reasons including those with valid train or flight tickets will be allowed on roads and police personnel have been asked not to harass people. Violators will be booked under IPC Section 188 as 144 CrPC is in effect,” said the officer.
While most people preferred to stay indoors, those that went to tea shops or grocery stores were told to wear masks and maintain physical distancing, said a corporation official. “We have directed officials to strictly fine those not wearing a mask and for spitting in public places and violating social distancing norms,” he said.
At several Tasmac outlets, however, distancing norms were flouted and the civic body said it will address in the coming days.
The Koyambedu market functioned as usual, with many workers saying they were apprehensive they could be picked up by police if they start from home at night to reach the market early.
“Most loadmen here come from the other end of the city. Authorities should issue passes to avoid conflicts with police,” said S Dhanraj, a worker.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/parks-beaches-out-of-bounds-morning-walkers-crowd-roads/articleshow/82172627.cms
