Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary today said that Administration is seized of the difficulties being faced by transporters affected due to the lockdown imposed to contain spread of Covid-19.DC said this while speaking on the occasion of a daylong training cum interaction programme with transporters on precautions, safeguards and SOPs to be followed in view of Covid-19 pandemic, organized by District Administration Srinagar at Tagore Hall here.He said that various demands of the transporters, who could not operate during these months, have been taken up with the government appropriately. He said that other issues like rate revision of passenger fare and creation of auto stands in Srinagar are also being considered positively by the authorities. He said that with number of auto-rickshaw operators having gone up to nearly 10000, there is a need to create auto stands for streamlining of this mode of public transport.DC said that various other measures are being taken to streamline the public transport system to ensure that robust transport facility is made available to the general public.Earlier DC Srinagar distributed 2000 food kits among the auto drivers as relief to them. He said that District Administration has started the process of distributing 8000 food kits among the transporters in the district.He said that in view of certain relaxations announced by the Government in the lockdown, district administration Srinagar has conducted various sensitization programmes for various sectors to ensure people follow all SOPs to control the spread of corona virus efficiently.
He said trainings of vegetable vendors, bakers, butchers, cooks, restaurant owners, shopkeeper associations and meetings with Imams of Masjids, representatives from Mandir and Gurdwara committees were also conducted earlier which has yielded positive results as shopkeepers do not allow customers enter their shops without mask.He urged auto rickshaw operators to ensure only 2 passengers are allowed; there is hand sanitizer available in auto and no passenger is allowed without a mask while they operate. He reiterated that need is to maintain personal hygiene and all SOPs should be followed in letter and spirit as the danger of the virus has not decreased.Earlier various doctors spoke on the need of following guidelines and health advisories and sensitized the drivers about taking precautions as mandatory for their safety. The speakers urged the drivers to maintain proper social distancing protocol and avoid mingling in a single shed or vehicle during idle time as witnessed in the past. The speakers also laid emphasis on maintaining personal hygiene, particularly proper hand washing and daily cleaning of their vehicles/autos with disinfectants and detergents.On the occasion, District Administration also carried out 250 Covid-19 tests of auto rickshaw operators and doctors and technicians of health department remained busy in collection of samples. Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioners Muhammad Hanief Balkhi and Syed Sajad Qadri, Assistant Controller Drugs, ARTO, Dr Rabani, Dr Sheena, DySP Traffic and presidents of Transport Associations were among those who attended the event.