On the second day of Telangana's
ten-day lockdown, several people who failed to abide by the lockdown rules, had to pay hefty fines for their violations.
The state government has imposed the lockdown to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state. However, many people have been stepping out during the daily four-hour relaxation of lockdown restrictions, from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, to stock up on essentials and run important errands.
Those who were out and about till past ten in the morning were apprehended by the police who slapped a fine of Rs 1,000 on them.
The police personnel deployed to implement the lockdown were also seen counselling people against coming outside after 10:00 am. Various top police officials were also involved in the monitoring effort.
They told the people of the city to avoid stepping out of their houses unless it was entirely necessary to do so, explaining that following the lockdown rules would help in counting the pandemic.
The lockdown, which came into force yesterday, will continue for ten days. While it may prove effective in dealing with the current surge in cases in Telangana, it has hit the daily wagers and informal workers of the state hard. Small traders are also likely to be negatively affected by the lockdown.
Migrant workers have been making desperate attempts to return to their native places after the announcement of the lockdown to avoid getting
stranded in urban areas without food and work.