Hundreds of People from Karwar are up in arms against inter-state SOPs that have restricted free movement into Goa. While the Centre has asked States to facilitate unrestricted movement, the State is wary of a fierce Covid battle it is facing given the rising deaths and infections. Considering the dilemma that Goa is facing, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant must clear the air and diffuse the tension building up at the borders.
The Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla in a recent communique to Chief Secretaries of all States had directed that there should be no restrictions on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods. "No separate permission, approval, e-permit is required for such movement, including the movement of persons and goods for cross land border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries," the letter stated. It was clear that local-level restrictions cannot be imposed on movement into the State.
He stated that such restrictions are creating problems in inter-State movement of goods and services and are impacting the supply chain, resulting in disruption of economic activities and employment. He added that it affects the supply of goods and services and in violation of guidelines issued by MHA under the Disaster Management Act 2005.
However, a few days later, the South Goa Collector issued a brief SOP for all those entering the State. The short circular mentioned that no travel permits are now required as per SEC guidelines. But, it specifically spelt out the three options for entering the State -- a 48-hour valid negative test report, a choice of 14-day home isolation, or undergoing a Covid test.
The State SOP stands in stark contradiction to the protocol issued by the Union Home Secretary. Even Unlock-4 guidelines issued on Saturday are apparent that there can be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement. With a flare-up of positive cases across the nation, removing all curbs on inbound traffic could push the situation beyond Goa's control. India registered a record single-day spike of 78,761 positive cases that took the national Covid count close to 35.5 lakh. Medical experts have attributed the spike to the intermixing of the susceptible and infected population. They have opined that opening up the economy is bound to have disastrous consequences and suggested efforts to interrupt transmission.
Goa relies heavily on trade from neighbouring States, and when it comes to economics, it is not in a position to shut down borders. A significant chunk of essential commodities and livestock are routed via the Polem border check post. The State SOPs, if they are to be maintained, will put a strain on border trade which involves frequent movement.
The MHA guidelines will expose Goa to further risks, whether it is the incoming tourists or the traders. In view of the current scenario in the neighbouring states, Goa will have to work out an alternate plan before the situation spirals out of control.
