the goan I network
VALPOI
With an increased three-layered security implemented at the Keri border check-post to monitor the arrival of vehicles from Belagavi district, which has seen a high number of COVID-19 cases, the number of vegetable vehicles passing through the check post dropped sharply on Sunday.
According to sources at the Keri check post, the number of vehicles arriving with vegetable supplies dropped by almost 50%, as the occupants of vehicles were subjected to extra checks by different teams posted at the check post.
The number of Karnataka-registered vehicles had also dropped following strong objections from locals of Keri-Sattari, who were afraid of COVID-19 cases spreading from Belagavi district to Goa. The Keri panchayat had even threatened to obstruct these Karnataka-registered vehicles.
Sources at the Keri check post told The Goan that while there was a sharp drop in the arrival of Karnataka-registered vegetable vehicles, some Goa-registered vehicles crossed the check post and proceeded to Belagavi to buy vegetables directly from different villages across Belagavi district and bring them back to Goa, to be sold in the retail vegetable shops.
Earlier on Saturday, Inspector General of Police Jaspal Singh along with other police officials had visited the Keri border check post to review the security measures in place and had directed the police to be extra vigilant while vehicles enter the State via the Keri border check post.
As part of the three-layered security check implemented from Saturday, an inspection of drivers and other occupants in vehicles arriving from other states will be conducted by the health department at the check post.
Then, all documents will be verified by the police stationed at the check post and finally, vehicles will be allowed entry into the State only with permission of specially appointed executive officers.
