MAPUSA
With almost all shops and establishments remaining closed and beaches deserted, it was near total “lockdown” along the Calangute-Candolim coastal belt from Thursday afternoon.
The three village panchayats of Calangute, Candolim and Arpora widely circulated their orders on the “lockdown” and the list of what is allowed and what is not to operate in the three villages from Thursday evening onwards.
The panchayats also used the public address system to create awareness among the public on the restrictions imposed in the three villages for the next 11 days.
Except for the wholesale liquor shops that made a roaring business, nearly all shops downed their shutters in the three villages.
With a few fish vendors, the Calangute market wore a deserted look.
The Calangute-Baga and Candolim beach areas were completely deserted since morning.
“People have responded well to our call. Almost 90 per cent of the business establishments were closed. Some people were not aware but soon agreed to shut down. From 1 pm onwards it was 100 per cent effective,” said Shawn Martins, Calangute Sarpanch.
