Arvind Kejriwal seeks power from Centre to impose lockdown in markets which may emerge as Covid-19 hotspots

The AAP govt has also decided to withdraw an order allowing 200 guests to attend wedding functions

Amid rise in number of Covid-19 cases in the national capital, Delhi government has sent a proposal to the Centre seeking powers to shut down local markets that may emerge as hotspots besides seeking to restrict the number of guests at marriage functions at 50.

The proposals came against the backdrop of rising cases during the festival season with cases crossing 8,000 mark.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that his government had earlier allowed 200 guests at marriage functions based on the Centre's guidelines.

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"Earlier, this number was 50 but considering the recent spike in the number of Corona cases, the Delhi government has decided to withdraw this relaxation. Only 50 people will be allowed in the marriage ceremonies in the capital considering the spike in the number of Covid cases in Delhi. I have sent the proposal to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in this regard, for his approval,” he said during a digital address on Tuesday.

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He said another proposal by the Delhi government, to allow local lock-downs at market places which may emerge as Covid-19 hotspots in Delhi, has been sent to the Centre.

This decision was taken as Delhi witnessed massive crowds in some of the popular markets of Delhi before Diwali where no social distancing was followed, he said.

State-wise total number of confirmed cases, deaths

"In the last order passed by the Central government, it was noted that permission to impose local lockdowns in the state should be taken from the Centre. In view of the recent situation and considering the last order of the Central government, we have requested the Centre to permit shutting down market places if necessary," he said

"I do believe that such harsh measures would not be required. But, if any marketplace has become a Covod-19 hotspot due to the non-following of guidelines such as no social distancing or wearing masks, we would have to impose a local lockdown in those areas as a precautionary measure. I have already sent this proposal," he said.

Kejriwal's proposal was opposed by Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which said the move may prove to be "counterproductive" as lakhs of livelihoods are at stake and urged the Centre to consult traders before taking any such decision.

Health Minister Satyendar Jain had on Monday said there was no chance of reimposition of lockdown in the national capital since the third wave of the coronavirus has peaked out in the city.

The Centre on Sunday had decided to add more Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, double the RT-PCR tests, deploy doctors and healthcare professionals from paramilitary forces and set up a dedicated team to study the bed availability in private hospitals.