Permitted and non-permitted activities in West Garo Hills District

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 29, 2021

In pursuance of the Order issued by the Home (Political), Government of Meghalaya concerning rapid surge in the number of Covid-19 cases in the State particularly in Urban areas and where a large portion of the population lives in rural areas who might be affected unless intense containment measures are taken in urban areas.

And further, in view of the highly contagious nature of the virus, it is necessary to break the transmission chain and necessary to put in place preventive measures so that pandemic of Covid-19 does not spread to urban areas of the District and to contain the spread of viruses to other parts of Garo Hills, the District Magistrate, West Garo Hills had issued an Order under Section 144 Cr PC read together with Regulation 3 of the  Meghalaya Epidemic Disease, COVID-19 Regulation, 2020 enforcing the following Containment Measures within the District in general and Tura Town in particular with effect from 5:00 AM of 1^st May, 2021 to 5:00 AM of 10^th May, 2021.

According to the order, all educational, training, coaching institutions shall remain closed within West Garo Hills District but, these establishments are expected to maintain the academic schedule through online teaching. However, the ongoing MBOSE examinations will continue as scheduled by strictly following COVID protocols.

Meanwhile, all political, public, social and religious gatherings are not permitted including conferences, meetings and trainings. Weddings and funerals are however, permitted subject to a ceiling of 30 persons and with prior permission of the District Magistrate.

The order also stated that entry of tourists from outside the State shall not be permitted and all tourist spots shall remain closed and the International Border Trade shall also be suspended while Weekly Markets are restricted and only Agriculture products, Vegetables will be allowed.

The places of religious worship shall also remain closed except for wedding ceremony with prior permission from the office of the Deputy Commissioner.

Moreover, the order stated that all private offices will be closed except those providing essential services while Non-essential Central Government Institutions may also close their offices and work from home.

Further, the Public Transport movement shall be reduced to one- fourth (1/4) of the existing capacity as notified by District Transport Officer and Inter-District or Intra-District Movement to Tura Town will be restricted except for those who are permitted while for any other travel of an essential or emergent nature permission will be issued by the office of the Deputy Commissioner at Deputy Commissioner’s Office 3^rd Floor. However, the District Magistrate had advised that unless it is absolutely necessary, movement of persons to Tura Town shall not be undertaken and all non-essential movement is discouraged. Those violating the movement protocol or furnishing false self-declaration shall be liable for penal action as per law.

Meanwhile, the permitted activities (Restriction applies to Tura town and Rongram market) includes the opening of Essential Commodities Shops subject to regulation on days and timing to be decided by the Chief Executive Officer, Tura Municipal Board everyday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and shops dealing in hardware, electrical, plumbing and sanitary ware, computer service centre, mobile repair shops and automobile repair shops from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Further, Construction activities are also permitted by strictly maintaining Covid Protocols and Banks and Banking Services, Post & Telegraph and Telecommunication Services. Central Government offices and Banks are to function at 100% strength for Group-A but 30% strength for Group-B, Group-C and Group-D staff.

Further in order to make movement of individuals for the following purpose easier, the District Magistrate had allowed permission on self declaration but subject to adherence to protocols for services comprising of Healthcare services including emergency services and vaccination, agriculture and veterinary services, transportation of essential items, movement of students, teachers and staff related to conduct of examinations, goods vehicle, E-commerce services, supply of medicines and pharmaceuticals, home delivery services, accredited or registered press personnel (Print & Electronic), persons engaged in construction activities.

Further, persons travelling on Essential government Duty namely, Medical Teams and Officials on Covid-19 Duty, police, Security and Armed Forces, Civil Defense and Home Guards, Fire and Emergency Services, MeECL, Water Supply (PHE) including Private Water Supply, Roads and Buildings (PWD, NHAI, NHIDCL, etc), Municipal Services, Food Corporation of India (FCI), Information and Public Relations, Banks, Post & Telegraph and Telecommunication Services, Petrol and Diesel Tankers including LPG home delivery.

Further, the District Magistrate had advised everyone to wear a face mask and cover their mouth and nose when coming out in an emergency is mandatory and spitting and smoking in public places including offices and work place is prohibited. Violators will be imposed penalty by the designated Officers, who have been empowered under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 as notified earlier.