New Delhi, June 6 (IANS): As the national capital struggles to get back on its feet, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to spike. Defence Colony, a premier market and residential area, is one such place witnessing a rise in cases.

A team from the District Magistrate (DM) office visited the colony on Saturday to take stock of the situation in the area and held talks with the Residents Welfare Association (RWA) in order to decide the future course of action.

Defence Colony RWA President Major Ranjit, while dismissing speculation about the upscale colony being converted into a containment zone, said, "We have held talks with the district administration, no such action is being taken as of now. However, we are asking our residents to stay indoor and be safe and careful."

When asked about the rise in the cases in the area, he said, "Don't say it's a rise in the cases in my area, see there is a rise in the cases in the national capital and the country. Our market is very popular in the national capital. The government has to see the corona situation."

He said if the government had given powers to the Residents Welfare Associations to control the movement in the area, the situation would have been much better now.

"Until there was lockdown in the country, we had ensured movement of only essential services. The entrance and exit of our colony were monitored by the RWA members. But, now that the government has lifted the lockdown, we have no powers. Had it given us the powers, things would have been different and better."

He said the colony is safe and is ready to abide by all government orders, including that of containment, though, the proper supply of essential goods will be maintained. "We had taken extraordinary steps in order to safeguard our residents from this virus. Our colony was the first one to start separate waste collection for those who were home-quarantined or tested positive," he said.

"We want the disease to go, but we also need cooperation. The government should empower us to check the movement", the RWA president said, adding that the movement regulation in the market will be seen by the government as it is one of the busiest markets in the national capital.

"They have allowed the construction work to begin, but have masks been provided to the labourers, have they been educated and informed about how to stay safe while working?" he asked. It is not one person's fight, it is of the whole country, he added.

Earlier in the day, an audio note surfaced where Major Ranjit was heard asking the residents to stay safe as there was a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the area. In that note, he had also informed the residents about the top officials' visit.

At a time when various public spaces are vying to be opened up after more than three months of lockdown, the number of Covid-19 cases in Delhi has touched 26k mark which includes 10,315 people who have recovered and 708 others who have succumbed to the virus.