Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Apr 28: Earlier on Tuesday, April 28, Udupi deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha via video addressed the people about the classification of the district into the green zone and the benefits a district gets by coming under the same.

He said, "Udupi district has completed 28 days since it received the third positive coronavirus case. People of Udupi are looking forward to the district being classified as green zone. Although it is already a known fact that the district is under the green zone, it will be made official by the government of India."

"However, the point to be noted here is that we have already begun many activities allowed under the green zone. These entail activities like construction work, allowing factory operations and so on. In the meantime, the district authority is awaiting an official letter from the government in this regard," he added.

DC Jagadeesha also informed about the Shops and Establishment Act under which the multi-brand and single-brand shops will not be allowed to open. In addition, beauty parlour, saloons, spa, jewellery shops, cloth malls will also remain closed. Meanwhile, the takeaway system (parcel) will be allowed in hotels and bakery shops. Shops that are selling essentials will be allowed to operate from 7 am to 11 am, the DC confirmed.

"The government has permitted to carry out operating of factories in rural areas, with emphasis on following social distancing norms. On the other hand, agriculture, horticulture, housing and construction activities are resuming activities as well," the DC said. He also asserted that sand mining and crusher activities will begin soon.

However, the DC warned people to not take advantage of the lockdown relaxations which come with the green zone classification. He stressed that the lockdown will remain in place until May 3 as announced by the Prime Minister. The DC warned violators of strict action if any rules were broken.

But, the employees who are an exception to the lockdown, would have to secure a pass from their respective organization or company.

He also advised against private vehicles plying on the road without any reason and reminded about seizing of such vehicles. Reportedly over 750 vehicles have been already seized, the DC said.

He urged people to adhere to social distancing in public places and inside companies. If not followed, the owners will be booked for violating the law. All employees are thereby required to wear masks, use sanitizers and follow social distancing in the organisation.

The district administration has also furnished specific instructions to the police department and nodal officers to keep a check on factories who required to abide by the lockdown rules. The DC also said that the relaxation by the government was given to overcome the economic crisis and requested people to comply with the lockdown rules until May 3.