Nashik admin imposes ticket system for markets, pay Rs 5 per hour, Rs 500 penalty for overstaying

As COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Maharastra despite the restrictions imposed by the government, the administration in Nashik has taken another step to discourage people from spending more time in crowded markets. Now an hourly ticket will have to be bought by people to visit crowded markets.

The price of the ticket has been kept at Rs 5. 

A person can buy the ticket and spend one hour in the market for shopping. However, if he/she spends more than an hour, a penalty of Rs 500 will be levied.

Presently, the system is on an experimental basis and only applied to the congested markets like Shalimar, Tilak Road, Badshahi Corner, Dhumal Point, Main Road, Shivaji Road, Main Market Committee, and City Center Mall.

The experiment has been initiated by the Nashik Municipal Corporation and Police together.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said that a decision will be taken soon on closing restaurants and cinema halls in the state in wake of the COVID-19 surge. He also appealed to people to shun complacency and follow coronavirus protocols.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led government is expected to release a standard operating procedure (SOP) by April 1. 

The new SOPs are expected to impose more restrictions and guidelines for the people of the state and curb public movement.

On one hand, CM Uddhav Thackeray has asked officials to prepare a roadmap for the second statewide lockdown. However, reports claim that the total shutdown is not on the cards yet.