Delhi’s Resident Welfare Associations (RWA’s) demand immediate shutting down of liquor shops and review of arrangements

Several Resident Welfare Associations in the national capital have strongly objected to opening of liquor shops in most parts of the city despite entire Delhi being declared as Red Zone with over 4, 459 coronavirus cases .

Delhi government had announced opening of 150 shops from Monday in the Third phase of the lockdown despite entire Delhi being declared as Red Zone.

“The long queues which started early in the morning outside liquor shops, even before the shops opened for sale , which  led to social distancing go for a toss , in some areas it became a law and order problem and some vends had to be shut” said Mr V.K. Arora, Convenor of Delhi RWA Forum.

“Even the tobacco and paan shops should also be shut immediately as after having paan of tobacco the eaters will definetily spit somewhere and it is not possible for police to keep a tab on so many violators , Even the smokers will remove their masks and smoke thus help spread coronavirus” said Mr Arora 

“The first day of opening of liquer vends was tricky and  has already led to long ques an chos in the city , the government should immediately shut the liquer vends and come up with a policy to regulate the sale by opening in phased manner .”said Mr Rajiv Kakria of Greater KAilash ! RWA 

“The government can adopt odd-even formula to control crowds , can think about home delivery of liquor on lines of West Bengal government, can introudce rationing per person  to prevent hoarding or black marketing . To contain initial rush declare closure of all other shops in the vicinity so that Crowd Control can be ensured.” suggested Mr Kakria .

“Even RWA’s can roped in for distribution of liquer  ” suggested  Ms Neha Puri of Green Park Extention  RWA

“RWA’s have also expressed concern at total violation of various guideline formulated by Delhi government including ban on pillion riding ,while most of Two wheelers on Delhi roads today could see double riding. Similarly govenrmnt has banned running of Three wheelers, e-rikshaws and cycle rikshaws but they can be seen in every part of the capital violating the guidelines.” said Mrs Ritu Bhatia , Secretary of Mahila Pragtisheel Association .

“The Delhi is already witnessing high rise of coronavirus cases in last couple  of days ,with limited government medical facilities it is looking for further troubles ” said Mr V.N.Bali of RWA federation, East Delhi

Source: V.K.Arora