Gurugram, Jul 27 (IANS): The Gurugram police have issued over 15,000 challans for not wearing face masks, since the Covid-induced lockdown, officials said on Monday.

According to the officials, the District police have issued 15,250 challans for not wearing face masks since the imposed lockdown from March 25. The cops have also collected Rs 75 lakh as challan amount from them.

"We have conducted many door-to-door health campaigns in the city. Besides, so many campaigns are underway through digital, print and electronic media to educate residents. Despite that, offenders have been coming on roads and violating the guidelines drawn by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare," said Preet Pal Singh Sangwan, ACP and PRO of Gurugram police.

According to the official, maximum challans are issued in areas adjacent to high risk Large Outbreak Region (LOR). Besides, challans are also issued in market places like Sadar Bazar, sector 14, sector 31, sector 40, Galerai market, sector 5.

"We are conducting surprise checking at market places and penalizing offenders. Some of the shopkeepers have also violated the norms. They are found of not wearing masks as well as violating social distancing norms. After every challan, Gurugram police handed over a mask to offender with strong warning. Repeated offenders are liable to face action under pandemic and disaster management act," Sangwan said.

Gurugram has a total of 8,720 Covid positive cases in the district and 7,558 patients have been discharged so far. On Monday, 108 fresh cases were reported in the city.