VALPOI: The members of Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) will submit a memorandum to Sattari Deputy Collector on Monday with a request to implement SOPs issued under MHA guidelines in town market.
VMC chairperson Akhtar Shah chaired the special VMC meeting with Councillors and other stakeholders on Sunday morning
“There was a demand from the general public that Valpoi should go for lockdown, but it will not be feasible unless the State government decides and asks the authorities to implement total lockdown in the town,” the VMC said.
The council also observed that some people are displaying a casual attitude towards the SOPs issued by MHA and hence there is fear in the minds of residents that there may be spread of virus which can be avoided only if the enforcement agencies act against the violators.
The civic body will be taking action against violators from Monday, but at the same time it also requested the Deputy Collector to direct the police to restrict unnecessary movement in Valpoi especially riders.
“We will be issuing an appeal letter to all the market traders/businessmen operating in town to follow the SOPs issued by MHA strictly and if they fail even after repeated requests we will penalise them with fines,” VMC chairperson, Akhtar Shah warned.
He said the public should understand the seriousness of the situation and co-operate with the civic body and other enforcement authorities.
Police will be deployed at all the entry points in the town to prevent unnecessary movement.
“No need to panic as all shops and grocery stores will be open in the town. We are just requesting the public to avoid needless travel in the market area for you and your family’s safety. Public should follow SOPs in a responsible manner, wear a mask, keep social distance and use sanitisers. We will make sure that all market traders/businessmen and shopkeepers follow one-metre distance while transacting business, keep sanitizers for customers and don’t do business with anyone who is not wearing mask,” Shah said.
Ramdas Shirodkar informed that the municipal van will announce the SOPs and create awareness in all wards and request panchayats to follow the same. “We will appeal to our people to avoid frequent movement and ask them to stay indoors and follow the guidelines,” said Ramdas.
“We have discussed the matter with our MLA and Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane and from Monday enforcement authorities will gear up more seriously to implement the guidelines and take strict measures to keep our town and Sattari from further transmission of virus,” Shah added.
