LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to enforce 'smart lockdown' on Eidul Azha in the light of federal govt's directives to contain the spread of Covid-19. Keeping in view the experience of Eidul Fitr, it has been decided in the larger public interest to enforce smart lockdown on the upcoming religious festival. Shopping activities in the markets before Eidul Azha can cause the spread of Covid-19.
In this regard, Punjab Chief Secretary Jawwad Rafique Malik presided over a meeting in his office to review the arrangements for the enforcement of the smart lockdown and implementation of the SOPs in cattle markets.
The chief secretary said the protection of human lives was of utmost importance to the government and all possible steps, including strict implementation of SOPs in cattle markets, would be taken to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The chief secretary asked all the divisional commissioners to strictly enforce SOPs including wearing masks and ban on entry of elderly persons and children in the cattle markets. He said that officials of the health department, local government, and livestock must be deployed in the cattle markets and joint teams of administration, and law enforcement agencies should be formed for carrying out inspections.
He ordered to ensure social distancing; only a specific number of people should be allowed to enter the cattle markets as per the capacity, besides setting up special counters at the entry points for screening.
The Chief Secretary also issued instructions to continue anti-dengue activities and prepare a solid waste management plan during Eid. IG Punjab Shoaib Dastgir directed RPOs to ensure foolproof security, social distance, and other precautionary measures for Eid prayer congregations.
It was also decided to empower the deputy commissioners to extend the working hours of cattle markets in the districts as and when required. The Secretary Local Government informed the meeting that apart from temporary sale points, at present there are 300 cattle markets in the province. He said that the officers of district administration and the local government department are regularly monitoring these cattle markets.
Additional Chief Secretary Home Momin Agha, IG Police Shoaib Dastgir, Secretary Primary Health Capt Muhammad Usman (retd), Commissioner Lahore Division Danish Afzal and DIG Operations Lahore Ashfaq Ahmad Khan attended the meeting whereas Secretary Local Government Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, all divisional commissioners and RPOs participated through video link.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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