In Telangana, essential shopping only from dawn to dusk

Hyderabad: Except emergency medical services, all goods and commercial establishments will remain closed throughout Telangana every day from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. People will be allowed to purchase essential commodities from 6 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. every day, announced Telangana chief secretary Somesh Kumar.

However, road movement of all public transport vehicles, including cabs, private buses, taxis and auto rickshaws, stands banned till March 31. Only vehicles carrying essential goods and supplies will be allowed to ply.

Speaking to media, the chief secretary said depending on the necessity, there will be relaxation or further tightening of these rules.

He appealed to public not to come onto the roads unless there is an emergency or they have to purchase essential goods like vegetables, eatables or medical supplies.

“From 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day, no movement will be allowed and everybody is requested to stay at home. Purchasing of essential goods should be completed within 6 a.m. to 6.30 pm,” he clarified.

However, these rules will be relaxed at villages and places where agriculture, dairy, and vegetable cultivation are carried out. But people involved must ensure social distancing while working.

Irrigation and NREGA workers will also be allowed to work in the same way.

Chief secretary  Somesh Kumar underlined that foreign returnees should remain home quarantined as advised. If they come out of homes, legal action would be initiated against them.

He requested public to pass on information to police about such persons. “If necessary, action will be taken involving their passports as per law,” the chief secretary warned.

He announced that a committee has been formed to ensure availability of essential commodities during the period of lockdown throughout the state.

The committee will function under secretary, Agriculture, and comprise civil supplies commissioner, transport commissioner, inspector general of police, Hyderabad, directors, Drugs Control Administration, Horticulture and Marketing departments, controller of Legal Metrology, and managing director, Dairy Development Cooperative Federation.