THANE: Thane streets wore a deserted look throughout Saturday on the first day of the weekly lockdown as the weekend curfew was in force starting Friday night 8pm.
Deputy municipal commissioner Sandeep Malvi said the corporation along with Thane Police have already interacted with traders and resident activists about enforcing the restrictions in the city. Several policemen were seen shutting down shops in various parts of the city since Friday evening and Saturday remained largely peaceful.
Police commissioner Vivek Fansalkar said those involved in essential services including students travelling for exams and carrying valid ID and admission cards will not be stopped. Police teams were seen appealing residents to not venture out on the roads for morning and evening walks even as many children were seen playing on empty roads or men venturing out claiming to run emergency errands.
The Thane municipal transport had restricted services to a minimum over the next two days. Meanwhile several residents made a beeline at various shopping marts and groceries to stock up for the weekend. Auto rickshaws except for those plying patients were seen plying on roads.
The hotel industry representatives said they expected more relaxation as the present enforcement is likely to impact the business and their survival. “We have lost nearly 90% of weekend business and are wary of out survival if the situation continues like this,” said a hotel owner from Thane.
Deputy municipal commissioner Sandeep Malvi said the corporation along with Thane Police have already interacted with traders and resident activists about enforcing the restrictions in the city. Several policemen were seen shutting down shops in various parts of the city since Friday evening and Saturday remained largely peaceful.
Police commissioner Vivek Fansalkar said those involved in essential services including students travelling for exams and carrying valid ID and admission cards will not be stopped. Police teams were seen appealing residents to not venture out on the roads for morning and evening walks even as many children were seen playing on empty roads or men venturing out claiming to run emergency errands.
The Thane municipal transport had restricted services to a minimum over the next two days. Meanwhile several residents made a beeline at various shopping marts and groceries to stock up for the weekend. Auto rickshaws except for those plying patients were seen plying on roads.
The hotel industry representatives said they expected more relaxation as the present enforcement is likely to impact the business and their survival. “We have lost nearly 90% of weekend business and are wary of out survival if the situation continues like this,” said a hotel owner from Thane.
