SHILLONG: Despite the order of the government that there is no exemption to essential services, the residents of many localities suffered in their absence during the 24-hour shutdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Congress legislator PT Sawkmie informed on Saturday that following the disruption of water supply in localities under Mawlai, he had called up the Deputy Commissioner to ensure that the essential services are not affected.
Even the waste disposal was affected as in Police Bazar and other areas, garbage was left unattended. Some residents chose to dump the wastes into Wahumkhrah and Umshyrpi.
The medical shops in parts of the city were also closed despite the order of the district magistrate.
However, there was confusion since the essential services were not defined by the government.
Later, the district magistrate, in a notification issued on Saturday, informed that the services of Health Department, Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeECL), Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Police and Armed Forces, Fire Service, Food & Civil Supplies Department, Shillong Municipal Board and Telecom Department are included in the list of all essential services and the services are expected to operate to the optimum.
