MAPUSA
Cocking a snook to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s appeal to panchayats against going for a lockdown, more local bodies and municipalities across the State decided to resort to lockdowns and restrictions within their jurisdiction in an attempt to break the Covid chain and curb the spread of the dreaded virus.
Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo along with sarpanchas and members of six panchayats decided to go for a voluntary lockdown in Aldona constituency.
The village panchayats of Bastora, Moira, Nachinola, Aldona, Pomburpa and Ucassaim have decided on a voluntary lockdown from May 5 to 12.
The Bicholim Municipal Council and the Sankhali Municipal Council also joined the growing list of towns and villages in the State to enforce local self-imposed lockdowns
While Reis Magos village announced a 9-day lockdown from May 5 to May 13, village panchayat Curti Khandepar decided to go for complete lockdown from May 5 to May 10.
Majorda-Utorda-Calta Panchayat too announced a lockdown till May 16 so also Varca, Aquem-Baixo, Carmona, Velsao-Pale panchayats declared lockdowns.
“We are all aware there has been an exponential rise in Covid cases in the State. Although the CM has imposed strict restrictions, the sarpanchas of all the six panchayats in Aldona have decided to observe voluntary lockdown,” Ticlo said, while addressing a news conference.
The village panchayats of Calangute, Candolim and Arpora-Nagoa under the leadership of Ports Minister Michael Lobo were first to impose a lockdown within its jurisdictions. The other panchayats picked up the lead and began imposing lockdowns in their areas.
Speaking further, Ticlo informed that all the panchayats have adopted a resolution for voluntary lockdown which will be handed over to the deputy collector and the Mapusa PI.
He said he has received reports that Covid affected people have been roaming freely in the villages putting the lives of other people at risk.
“Covid affected should not move out. They need to isolate. Such people who break rules will be identified and sent to Covid centre,” he warned.
All the six panchayats have come out with a similar drafted public notice stating that in view of rapid rise of Covid cases and in order to contain the spread of pandemic by breaking the chain preventive and remedial measures are required.
The notices states restricted public movement will be allowed from 6 am to 12 noon to buy essential goods while strict lockdown will be maintained for the remaining part of the day.
Meanwhile, Assonora panchayat has also called for a “lockdown” within its jurisdiction for a period of 10 days.
In a public notice the village panchayat of Assonora informed the general public that certain restrictions have been imposed to contain the spread of virus from May 5 to 14.
Public movement has been restricted between 6 am to 12 noon for purchase of essentials while the remaining part of the day will observe a shutdown.
