54 teams of BBMP marshals to check Covid norm violations
BBMP chief Gaurav Gupta, Bengaluru police chief Kamal Pant to join forces in ensuring Covid-appropriate behaviour
BENGALURU:
Stressing the need for continued Covid-appropriate behaviour by Bengalureans even as Covid-19 cases have fallen drastically in the city, BBMP Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta said on Saturday that the success of the Covid-control measures can be maintained only if citizens continue to follow Covid guidelines scrupulously. Gupta was addressing a coordination meeting at Town Hall on implementing Covid-19 guidelines effectively in the BBMP limits.
He said 54 teams have been formed to impose fines on those not following Covid norms such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distance. Each team will have 4 marshals who will monitor highly crowded areas. Also, areas where Covid rules are flouted the most will be visited by senior zonal officials and health officers, notices will be issued and such places will subsequently be locked down, he said.
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Hinting at further relaxations by the government in the coming days, Gupta said this would result in more responsibility for BBMP. Police personnel, along with marshals and home guards, must raise awareness amongst citizens about Covid-19 guidelines, and penalties should be imposed for violations. Covid rules must be enforced rigorously in public spaces in the city, including business areas, wedding halls and market areas, he said.
Cops’ support for marshals
The Chief Commissioner advised BBMP staff to coordinate with police personnel in clearing footpaths of parked vehicles, street vendors and construction material. Responding, City Police Commissioner Kamal Pant said police personnel have been clearing pedestrian paths across the city and added that the police department would provide complete support to BBMP in carrying out these operations. If there are arguments between citizens and marshals over Covid-related fines, the police will provide the necessary security to the marshals. If marshals are attacked in the course of their duty, legal action will be taken, he said.
Special Commissioner (SWM) Harish Kumar, Special Commissioner (Health) D Randeep, Additional Police Commissioner Murugan, Joint Commissioner (SWM) Sarfaraz Khan, zonal Joint Commissioners, Chief Engineers, marshal supervisors, marshals and other officials were present at the meeting.
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