Vizianagaram: People rush to stock up essentials

Vizianagaram: On the second day of Janata Curfew, the people has violated the instructions given by the government to maintain social distance from others and not to be crowded at places.

People from various sections on Monday rushed to grocery shops, supermarkets and Rythu Bazaars to purchase the essential commodities and vegetables like normal days.

Unfortunately, the shops which sell non-essential commodities such as book shops, electric, xerox, cloth and hardware also were opened but in the afternoon the district administration has intervened and forced them to down their shutters.

Though the public transport is completely stopped, the private vehicles like auto-rickshaws and seven-seater autos have transported the passengers.

Some private busses also operated in the morning session. The private auto rickshaws have charged around Rs 250 to reach Vizag. The price of vegetables, however, were under control at Rythu Bazaars but in the open market, they raised abnormally. The tomatoes are sold at Rs 40 a kg against Rs 10 at Rythu Bazaar. Ginger is sold at Rs 150 a kg against Rs 50 in Rythu Bazaar.

Large number of four-wheelers and bikes lined up at fuel stations to fill their tanks. K Lakshmi, a housewife of cantonment area, said "Yesterday, we didn't step out of my house and today, we need some provisions and vegetables. So, today I am forced to come out of my home to purchase some groceries."

The railway station and RTC bus stand became deserted and none of the commuters arrived there. On the otherside, the government staff coming from other districts like Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam faced problems as they don't have any mode of transport to reach their destinations. But some of the commuters, who are just 50 kms distance from their homes, have travelled by two-wheelers and reached their workplaces but rest of them remained at home only.

By the evening, the police stopped all auto-rickshaws and other vehicles from moving on the roads. B Sridevi, Deputy Commissioner of Transport, stated that they won't allow any vehicle on roads except those transporting groceries and other essential commodities till March 31. She said that the vehicles, which violate the norms formed by the government, would be penalised.