MARGAO: With not a single store open in Margao, it was a true lock down in the commercial capital of the State as all the three major markets remained shut with the gates drawn firmly. Only medical stores and petrol pumps were operating today.
The SGPDA and New Market continued to be totally closed as their gates were not even opened. At Gandhi Market fruit and vegetables used to be sold in the open areas as the shops remained closed. However, today even fruits and vegetables were not sold at this market.
The private stores including super stores that used to operate otherwise, were closed today probably because it was a Sunday. Milk also was not available and vehicles transporting milk like Amul and Arokya were seen selling packets at different junctions.Contrary to the government claim that vehicle movement will not be allowed in Margao vehicles were moving around freely even though the 8 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were on duty at different junctions.
Incidentally one platoon of CrPF have been deployed to South Goa and they have been dispatched to the main town police stations of Margao, Ponda and Vasco only. “As and when we get additional troops we shall send them to other police stations,” said Superintendent of Police Arvind Gawas.
DIGAMBAR THANKS PEOPLE: Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat thanked the people of Goa for co-operating while also appreciating the efforts of the shop keepers for their efforts to give best possible service to the citizens “with limited resources”.
While expressing confidence that things will improve, he urged people to maintain distance with others and “stay at home”
The government’s handling of essential commodities continued to draw flak particularly from the villages of Salcete. Sabita Mascarenhas, Sarpanch of Sarzora said she was totally fed up with the administration and pointed out that while the sarpanch and panchayat members have been allotted the duty of distributing commodities to the people no arrangements whatsoever have been made to supply the commodities to the villages and its storage.
“This shortage of commodities will result in death due to hunger rather than COVID-19,” she said.
ZOMATO PERMITTED: Collector South has informed the Sough Goa Hotel & Restaurant Owners Association that heeding to their request take away services through Zomato App are permitted in the district and they have to use skeletal staff.
They have also been asked to make sure that the staff follow all the guidelines and adorn the company uniform and also carry their identity card issued by the company.
