Hyderabad: Residents rush for native places ignoring lockdown at Patancheru

Patancheru: Local residents who supported the Sunday's 'Janata Curfew' seem to be ignoring the lockdown ordered by the State government up to March-end to prevent the spread of deadly Coronavirus. With many found moving on the town roads on Monday, the police warned them and made them to return.

The town roads and the national highways were packed with vehicles, with people heading to their native places for the Ugadi festival. Several crowded lorries and about 50 autorickshaws were seized by the police. Local CI Naresh told The Hans India that people's cooperation was absolutely necessary to fight the virus. "If there is no full public cooperation then problems arise. People should understand the need for lockdown and remain confined to houses," he said. He warned of taking action against autos and other vehicles moving on roads.

Many people came out on Monday morning to purchase vegetables and milk. They were persuaded by the police to go back. Yet there was no stopping of people's movement on roads, although many in Isnapur appeared to be afraid to move out. Workers from other States were found to be freely venturing out. Locals were feeling anxious in view of the residents from the Northern States resorting to spitting after consuming 'Pan Parag', 'Khaini'. The police are warning such persons and sending them back home.

In areas like Patancheru, Ramachandrapuram, Isnapur the prices of vegetables have hit the roof. A kg of tomato is being sold at Rs.100, onion at Rs.50, green chillies Rs.180. With demand for milk, residents have been forced to wait from 4 am onwards at shops.

In Chitkul, Rudraram, Isnapur areas the respective sarpanches Neelam Madhu Mudiraj, Sudheer Reddy, Balamani Srisailasm, besides Kardhanoor upa-sarpanch Kumar, moved in their respective villages appealing to the residents to make the lockdown successful. They advised people not to move on roads and to join the fight against the spread of Corona.