SHILLONG/AMPATI/WILLIAMNAGAR, May 1: The East Khasi Hills District Magistrate has suspended operation of border haats and export points in the district till May 10. The order in this regard was issued amid the imposition of containment measures in different parts of the state.
According to the directive, weekly markets will not operate as usual and will be strictly regulated by the SDOs (C) and BDOs concerned to cater only to essential requirements of public. “BDOs will rope in Market Committees and COVID Management Committees to ensure awareness on COVID-19,” the directive said.
SWGH DC’s directive for govt employees
South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ch. Ramakrishna, has directed government employees, who are posted in the district but are a resident of Tura or elsewhere, to either make their own transport arrangements or remain in the station and make themselves available at all times. The order from the DC was issued after the ban on interdistrict travel from Tura, Shillong and Jowai came into force alongside other containment measures.
The DC has also warned the government employees against cashing in on the situation and remaining absent from work “unnecessarily”.
It may be mentioned that many government employees in South West Garo Hills are residents of Tura and commute to their places of work from Tura on a regular basis. The district administration has even issued car passes to such employees to ensure they attend office.
More restrictions in EGH
East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Swapnil Tembe, has issued restrictions across the district in line with the containment measures, which were imposed starting Saturday.
According to the directive, educational institutes have been directed to remain shut till May 10. However, the conduct of board exams in the district will be allowed with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
Operation of weekly markets has been restricted to only agricultural items, vegetables and fruits while the places of worships will remain shut. However, wedding ceremonies at places of worship will be allowed with prior permission from the District Magistrate.
“The political, public, social and religious gathering including conference, meetings and trainings, and entry of tourists from outside the state also are not permitted,” the order added.
Smoking and spitting in public places across the district have been prohibited and the violation of the same will entail penalty.