TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024
Team Herald
PONDA: Concerned over the increasing number of COVID cases detected in Ponda, some worried locals have now expressed that “lokani ata bhivpachi garaz asa” (people now need to fear) or else it will be difficult to control the infection.
Viraj Sapre a social worker from Ponda said, “There is no social distancing practiced in public places. Despite COVID death cases, people behave as if COVID will not affect them.”
He said, “Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is frequently stressing on maintaining “Do Gaj ki Duri” (distance equal to 1.8 metre), but this is not observed in public places as people are not serious on safety norms or maybe there is no proper awareness. There are messages asking people to maintain safe distance and that even a minor mistake can prove costly. But nobody seems to be serious.”
He said, “Since the lockdown has been lifted, people are behaving in a casual manner as if there’s nothing to worry. Such attitude is worrisome. We can see a rush of people I the Ponda fish market, vegetable market, various bazaars and public places. Even though few buses are operating these too crowded as people proceed to their workplaces. It’s time that people stop making unnecessary visits to the market instead they should make their purchases for the week, fortnight or month at a time.”
“If bars are closed then why are fish markets open? They should be shifted to an open space to avoid rush. Even vegetable market should be in open space or in a hall by maintaining proper social distancing,” Shankar Naik, a resident said.
Shivaji Naik, another local, “Every person should fear for one’s life and take proper care and maintain safe distance. The Ponda Police Station is shut for public with most policemen testing positive. People used to not move out of their houses without masks fearing that they will be fined for violations. Now, the policemen who were guarding the town roads are not seen and this may be in public interest.”
He said, “Government says panchayats have no power to impose self lockdown, but if need be the villagers infected by the virus should be permitted to impose lockdown.”
Vishnu Naik from Kavlem said, “Considering the alarming rise in COVID cases, each one should maintain a safe distance at public places and follow the Central government safety guidelines. I visited an ATM at Bandora and maintained a safe distance, but suddenly a few people rushed to withdraw cash.”
Meanwhile, an urgent meeting has been convened at Rajiv Kala Mandir on July 9 to discuss the ways to prevent the rise in cases and adopt safety measures, which will be attended by MLAs of the taluka and other officials.
