To ensure a strict lockdown in Guwahati, the city police will use drones for surveillance. The fourteen-day lockdown in Kamrup (Metro) district began on Sunday, the Assam Tribune has reported.
The drones will keep a close watch round-the-clock in the COVID-19 sensitive areas like Panbazar, Fancy Bazar, etc., of the city, so that there are no violations. Police Commissioner Munna Prasad Gupta said that along with the drones, police forces will keep round-the-clock surveillance in every location of the city.
“Already we have made public announcements to make the people aware about the lockdown. This time there will be no compromise. Any violation of the lockdown will attract legal action as per the Disaster Management Act and IPC,” Gupta said.
The state witnessed a sharp surge in new coronavirus patients in the last ten days.
No movement of vehicles except those involved in essential services for Covid-19 will be permitted in during the lockdown. All government offices, offices of autonomous/subordinate offices and private offices shall remain closed, according to the press statement. Along with that, all public transport services shall remain suspended as well.
The state government also stated that consumption and sale of liquor, paan, gutka, tobacco etc. in public places are prohibited. Not more than 20 persons will be permitted in case of funerals, the official statement said.
Earlier, Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced that a “total lockdown” in Guwahati from Monday for the next two weeks . Next week, only pharmacies and hospitals will be allowed to open in the city, Sarma said this afternoon as he stressed: “Please finish your shopping by Sunday,” he added.
(With inputs from various sources)