VASCO
Even though the port town is in the grip of a Covid crisis with around 800-odd active cases and increasing deaths, it appeared the pandemic mattered little as people continued to rush in vegetable and fruit markets and crowded at superstores for their daily supplies with little or no social distancing practised.
While police and authorities tried to contain the movement of people in public spaces, people still came out on some pretext or the other and were seen crowding the markets.
It was business as usual at the vegetable and fruit markets, while superstores had a tough time in handling the crowd.
While some defended their movement as they had received salaries and wanted to stock up on their supplies, other alarmed residents appealed to the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) to either shut down or prescribe a time limit for such stores.
Speaking to reporters, social activist Kiran Naik appealed to people to stay home and not rush to the stores and markets.
"Essential stores are open to the people but people have been rushing without a reason and are risking their lives and the lives of the vendors. While authorities are doing the best, people can at least help them by staying at home. The market associations should come together and lock down the markets for a few days," said Naik.
When contacted, Mormugao Deputy Collector Sachin Desai warned of strict action on those violating the rules.
"We have already enforced guidelines and if there is a violation or a crowd, strict action will be taken. People can also bring it to our notice if they see a rush of people. Essential shops are kept open for people and they need not panic and resort to crowding of stores,” said Desai.
