Ranchi Mayor Asha Lakra on Wednesday addressed a letter to the Chief Minister Hemant Soren stating that the government’s decision of giving any relaxation in the lockdown is not advisable and that the Central government’s guidelines of imposing the lockdown till May 31 should be adhered to.

The letter stated that the number of Corona positive patients has been increasing daily and in such a situation opening areas previously identified as micro quarantine zones can become a carrier of the virus. Presently the government needs to take appropriate decisions in view of the public interest and not rise in state revenue.

Opening retail liquor shops has attracted a huge crowd since morning where customers are not following any social distancing norms. If the guidelines are not followed, then the Municipal Corporation can take action as per the Municipal Act 2011 section- 364, 365, 367 and 368.

The number of Corona positive patients has continuously been increasing in the area under Ranchi Municipal Corporation and its adjoining localities. In all the containments zones thermal screening and tests should be conducted for every individual and any relaxations in lockdown should only be considered after that.

Stating an example, Lakra said that the tests conducted by the medical team in Hindpiri are inadequate.

After relaxation in lockdown routine checking of vehicles is also not upto the mark.

Lakra further stated that a letter to the state government had earlier been addressed on May 14 stating that all municipal bodies are playing a vital role in fighting the pandemic. It suggested that the government should get a feedback from these bodies through video conferencing but no steps have been taken in this regard. The need of the hour is to meet the basic needs of the people and not open liquor shops.

The decision taken by the government will lead to an increase in the spread of the disease. The government should instead concentrate on providing employment to migrant labourers and also solving drinking water problems.

The government must realize that a major part of the population including auto rickshaw drivers, road side vendors and daily wage earners are in dire straits and need to be provided with food and shelter.