Market operated in sheer violation of lockdown directives

The government-enforced lockdown has been immoderately violated in Bhaktapur municipality area. People are seen gathering in market area especially in the morning and evening.

Bhaktapur mayor Sunil Prajapati shared the municipality has set the time from 5.00 to 8.00 in the morning and 5.00 to 7.00 pm in the evening everyday for the purchase of consumable foods, vegetables and other essential goods. The municipality has managed market place at Taumadhi, Gahiti, Nasamana, Dattatraya, Chyamhasingh and Kamalbinayak in the municipality boundary.

In order to contain virus transmission, the municipality has urged one and all to maintain one meter physical distancing while buying and selling daily essentials and also demarcate the standard distance between buyers and groceries, mayor Prajapati said. However, the locals have defied the arrangement and crowded around the grocery shops.

Bikal Shrestha, a local from Kamalbinayak, said large number of people are coming to the Ganesh Temple for offering prayers and there is high chance for transmitting virus infection from one to other. Likewise, there is a throng of people seen walking in the Kamalpokhari area since early morning.

A large number of people is seen walking in group at Bhaktapur market area in the morning and evening time, locals said. The municipality, however, has informed its residents to follow lockdown directives and stay at home as well as disinfect public mobility areas and roads with sprays.