New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS): The Delhi police has issued as many as 2,68,645 challans between April 19 and August 26 this year to those found violating Covid appropriate behaviour in the national capital.

Of them, 2,35,768 challans were issued to those not wearing a mask, 28,539 to those found violating social distancing norms, 1,415 for consumption of liquor, pan, gutka, etc, 1463 for holding large public gatherings or congregations and 1,460 for spitting, the data showed.

On Thursday, it issued a total of 1044 challans, out of which 918 challans were issued for not wearing a mask, 52 for violating social distancing norms, 9 for spitting and 65 for consumption of liquor, pan, gutka, tobacco etc.

Delhi has witnessed as many as four waves of the Covid pandemic since early 2020, the most lethal wave being between April-June this year which had prompted the Delhi government to impose a complete shutdown on March 19, this year.

After one and a half month's lockdown, the city started reopening phase-wise and eventually public activities were allowed with certain conditions. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), which looks after Covid management in the city, allowed re-opening of the city, directing the authorities to ensure that Covid appropriate behaviour is adhered to.

The DDMA also implemented a 'Corona Graded Response Action Plan' (GRAP) early this month.

Under the GRAP, there are four types of alert levels, depending on the seriousness of the situation. Based on these levels, different types of restrictions would be imposed to curb the Covid-19 cases in parts of the national capital.