COVID 2.0: Local markets to be decentralised in Odisha capital soon

Bhubaneswar:  Taking cognizance of the violation of social distancing norm in  crowded market places in the state capital, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) today issued fresh guidelines for strict adherence by all concerned.

The BMC has decided to decentralize the local markets/haats for the safety of public.

“There has been a sudden increase in positive cases in Bhubaneswar which need to be controlled by strict adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. It is observed that proper social distancing is not being maintained in crowded market places in Bhubaneswar like Unit-I  wholesale market and UNIT-IV markets,” said the BMC in its fresh order.

In view of the the public safety, the BMS issued the following guidelines:

1. The Zonal Deputy Commissioners of BMC shall identify suitable places in consultation with the respective market associations and local ACP/IIC for conducting the markets/haats at decentralized places for ease of the public as well as for their safety. The places identified during the first phase of the pandemic can be utilized this time again.

2. The vendors should sit sufficiently apart so that social distancing norms are adhered by them as well as by the public.

3 The Zonal DCs to undertake demarcations/barricading so that COVID norms can be followed properly.

4 The enforcement teams of BDA/BMC with the help of local police to ensure proper enforcement in periodic manner to ensure adherence to the guidelines.