No entry for Delhi's vehicles in Noida; government's advisory overturned
The administration of Noida stopped the entry of vehicles from Delhi on Tuesday, hours after the Uttar Pradesh government allowed it. On Monday, the Yogi Adityanath government let vehicles to travel from Delhi to neighboring Noida and Ghaziabad. The state government released guidelines explaining the activities that are allowed during Lockdown 4.0, which was extended till May 31 to tackle coronavirus. Here's more.
Sabzi mandis can operate in the state for only three hours, between 4 and 7 am while following social distancing measures. Retail sale of vegetables is allowed from 6 am to 9 pm. The night curfew, which restricts the movement of vehicles between 7 pm and 7 am, will remain in place, the government said. Private vehicles are allowed, but with conditions.
UP government has allowed two people, barring the driver, inside a four-wheeler. Three, including the driver, are allowed on three-wheelers. A pillion rider is allowed on a bike, only if it's a woman. According to HT, offenders will be fined Rs. 250 for the first time, Rs. 500 for the second, and Rs. 1,000 for the third time. Their licenses can be confiscated too.
Street vendors and hawkers are allowed to operate. Restaurants can function but only for home delivery services. Likewise, only takeouts are allowed in sweet shops. Banquet halls are given permission too, but it has been clarified that not more than 20 guests will be allowed at a wedding. Those below 10, above 65, pregnant women, and having co-morbidities are asked to remain indoors.
Following Centre's guidelines, the state government has allowed stadiums to open, but without spectators. Printing presses, dry cleaners, industrial activities outside containment zones are allowed. Emergency operations are permitted at nursing homes and private hospitals. All markets will open on a rotational basis, and the task of preparing a schedule is given to district administrations. Malls won't be opened for now.
Among the services which are prohibited is the inter-state movement of vehicles. The Centre, in its Sunday order, allowed the states to take a call on this. Confirming that vehicles from the National Capital can't enter Noida, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration said that the "status quo" must be maintained for now. Yesterday, heavy traffic was reported from the Delhi-Noida borders.
Schools, colleges, and other institutional activities haven't been allowed to open, and metro services are also suspended in UP. Religious gatherings, hospitality services (except those for COVID-19 workers), gyms, swimming pools, cinema halls, air services, will also not function during Lockdown 4.0. UP, which is India's most populous state, has recorded 4,605 coronavirus cases. 118 have died.
