VASCO
A group of newly elected councillors of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) from four wards of Dabolim constituency on Tuesday afternoon met Deputy Collector Sachin Desai and submitted a memorandum demanding a lockdown in their wards for a week.
Councillors Shraddha Mahale (Ward 21), Sudesh Bhosle (Ward 22), Vinod Kinlekar (Ward 23) and Caitan Xavier, son of Councillor Catarina Xavier (Ward 24) jointly submitted a memorandum requesting permission from the deputy collector to implement a voluntary lockdown in their wards as Covid cases were rising and there were also some Covid deaths in recent days.
Speaking to reporters, Desai said since the State government had already imposed restrictions, permissions could not be granted for the lockdown, but said there was no issues if people voluntarily opt for a lockdown.
"We have already implemented the restrictions as directed by the government but if people want to voluntarily close down their shops we have no issues. Voluntary lockdown can be a good gesture but government restrictions will be strictly followed," said Desai.
Newly elected councillor Vinod Kinlekar said the decision to submit a memorandum for a voluntary lockdowm was taken after consulting Dabolim MLA and Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho.
"The lockdown is needed because there are so many cases in my ward and we have got together to take this initiative to have a voluntary lockdown. We have passed a message to all shops that they must remain closed for a week while grocery and other essential stores will remain open from 6 am to 11 am only. We have only made a request to shopkeepers for public safety and they have agreed," said Kinlekar.
Councillor Sudesh Bhosle also appealed to people to cooperate with the voluntary lockdown.
" We have to bring this situation under control and voluntary lockdown is the only option. Our group of councillors decided to take the initiative of a lockdown for a week," said Bhosle.
