On the first day of June, Udaipur witnessed vehicles queuing up at traffic signals following re-opening of offices – government and private, businesses and shops after being through 67-days of different layers of lockdown.
After the first and complete COVID-19 lockdown that was imposed on March 25, the Rajasthan Government from June 1, lifted most of the restrictions allowing business and social life in the state to breathe easy.
The state’s decision came in after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) gave out the guidelines for a phased lifting of the nationwide lockdown with Unlock-1.0.
Lockdown 5.0 or Unlock 1 as the government prefers to call it, has extended the relaxations that had been given to Udaipur in the fourth phase of lockdown as part of the state government and Udaipur Municipal Corporation’s efforts to contain coronavirus pandemic.
As per the guidelines released by the Rajasthan Home Department, the city administration has permitted many activities and opened many places for the public barring the containment zones.
- Shops, businesses can remain open till 7 pm
- Offices allowed to have 100% attendance
- Curfew hours reduced to 9 pm-5 am
- Parks and gardens open for a specified time
- Public transport for intra-city commuting permitted
However, relaxations are not permitted in the areas under the containment zone including Surajpole Police Station area and Ghantaghar Police Station area. These areas include the major markets of Udaipur like Bapu Bazaar, Bada Bazaar, Sindhi Bazaar, Surajpole, Jhini Ret Chowk, Amal Ka Kanta, Udaipole, Asthal Mandir Road, Bhatiyani Chohatta etc.
With all the activities and places coming back to life, the scenario is still a lot different than what it was before the pandemic hit the city. Faces covered with masks, standing a foot apart and giving a lot of emphasis on self-care and safety, the city is rejoicing this new normal.
