SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has imposed a fine of Rs 86,20,006 on violators of Covid-19 SOPs across 10 districts of Kashmir in the last two weeks. As per the details shared by Divisional Covid Control Room Kashmir (DCCR), an amount of Rs 82,14,716 fines have been imposed alone on people for not wearing masks in the past two weeks in the Valley.
The Srinagar district followed by Kulgam topped the list for realising a fine of Rs 22,93,060 and Rs 13,44,500 accordingly from the offenders between 11 to 24 June.
The joint checking squads and teams constituted by respective Deputy Commissioners deployed across all districts have intensified the inspections and action against violations of laid down guidelines to ensure covid SOPs are followed religiously to contain the spread of the virus. During the anti-Covid SOPs violations operation, the flying squads held as many as 27925 inspections, arrested nearly 300 persons, while nearly 1000 shops including some restaurants and hotels were sealed for resorting to violations of Covid SOPs.
The fine was imposed for violations of wearing face mask/ spitting, social distancing and violations done by shopkeepers, restaurant operators, religious places, wedding halls, workshops, other business establishments and during gatherings and others during the campaign. The checking of 63935 vehicles was done, there were 2677 violations, out of which 1590 vehicles were challaned and 901 vehicles were impounded.
A senior official at Divisional Covid Control Room said that the operation against the violations of Covid SOPs shall be intensified in future in all districts and those found indulging in violations shall be booked as per the law to ensure people adopt appropriate Covid-19 behaviour as it is must to contain the spread of the virus. He added that enforcement complemented with vaccination is the best possible strategy to lower the pandemic curve. He further added that enforcing appropriate behaviour is imperative of the government and there shall be zero tolerance against violators..
