MAWKYRWAT: South West Khasi Hills district Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo on Tuesday extended provisions under Section 144 CrPC until 6am of June 1 in an effort to ensure social distancing so that the pandemic of COVID-19 does not spread to the district.
Accordingly, there will be no assembly or gathering in public areas and no religious gatherings, the DC said adding that educational institutions, training, coaching classes, etc and recreational facilities such as tourist spots, public places like indoor stadiums, halls, etc will remained closed.
The DC also said that operation of public transport as well as private vehicles will be allowed to the extent of 50 per cent which will be regulated by the District Transport Officer, Mawkyrwat and for two wheelers, pillion rider is not allowed.
Interdistrict movement will require valid passes from the office of the Deputy Commissioner.
Laloo also said that moving in public places will not be allowed without a mask and no spitting, consumption of liquor, gutka, tobacco in public places will be permitted.
Movement of individuals within the district shall remain prohibited between 7 pm and 6 am (night curfew) and no plying of vehicles other than essential services and essential commodities is permitted, she said, adding that movement of persons above 65 years, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years in public places except for essential requirements and medical reasons is permitted.
However, the order will not be applicable to police and armed forces, fire & emergency services, health services, DDMA and District Administration, MeECL, Public Health Engineering (PHE), Public Works Department (PWD), Social Welfare Department, NIC, Veterinary Dispensaries, officers and staff of other departments working on COVID-19 duty at full strength, Food and Civil Supplies, PDS wholesalers and dealers, telecom services, post offices, postal services, telegraph and IT services, banks, ATMs, customer service points and common service centres; long term passes will be issued to vehicles carrying essential commodities, goods, food items, medical equipment and animal feed/ fodder.
Home delivery of household items with valid passes, petrol pumps, SK oil and LPG delivery and print and electronic media are also exempted.
She also said that all other government offices will function at 100 per cent strength for Group A and B officers and regulate attendances for Group C and D officials in such a way as to ensure that physical distance is possible at work place.
The DC also said that all shops are allowed to be opened in the district except tea stalls, dairy, restaurants which may be open only after inspection and regulation by the deputy commissioner’s office.
Laloo also said that Mawkyrwat Market being the biggest public market with heavy rush will continue to be regulated as per existing arrangements and weekly market system will remain suspended until further orders.
Additional passes will be issued to headmen and market IDs will be increased based on village population.
The DC also said that any person violating the order will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provision of Section 51-60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
