Chandigarh gives major relief to motorists in Unlock 2.0

Dushyant Singh Pundir

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 1

In a major relief to motorists, the UT Administration has allowed a pillion rider on two-wheelers, four persons in a car and three persons in an auto-rickshaw.

Adviser Manoj Parida said the Unlock 2.0 orders passed by the Ministry of Home Affairs had been adopted in the UT.

• Also read: MHA issues new guidelines for Unlock 2; schools to remain closed till July 31

After detailed discussions, more relaxations were given to residents of the city, he said.

Now, a maximum of two persons will be allowed on a scooter or motorcycle, four in a car and three in an auto-rickshaw, including the driver. However, all riders will use masks and the vehicles will be regularly sanitised by the owners.

On the demand of various market associations, the Administration has decided to discontinue the odd-even system being followed in select markets such as the motor market at Mani Majra and the booth markets in Sectors 19 and 22. This will also apply to street vendors.

With a change in the night curfew timings (10 pm to 5 am), the UT has allowed all shops and restaurants to remain open from 10 am to 9 pm.

In another decision, the Administration has allowed call centres and industrial establishments to operate in night shifts provided their employees do not come out of the office or factory premises during the curfew period.

In a minor relief to Bacchus lovers, the Administration has permitted serving of alcoholic drinks at marriage functions, but after obtaining specific permission from the Excise Department.

As a preventing measure, Apni Mandis and organic markets will continue to remain closed till further orders.

The inter-state bus service will continue to remain suspended till further orders.

There will be a complete ban on social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious functions and other large congregations. Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, spas, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will remain shut.

There will be strict implementation of the norms pertaining to wearing of masks and social distancing at public places. Violators will be penalised.

What remains closed

• Apni Mandis and organic markets
• Inter-state bus service to remain suspended

Activities that are banned

There will be a complete ban on social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious functions and other large congregations. Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, spas, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will continue to remain shut.

Odd-even system in markets discontinued

The odd-even system being followed in select markets has been discontinued. This will also apply to street vendors. Call centres and industrial establishments can operate night shifts, but employees will not be allowed to come out during the curfew period.

Liquor allowed at marriage functions

The Administration has permitted serving of alcoholic drinks at marriage functions, but after getting permission from the Excise Department. However, bars will continue to remain shut.