SUNDAY RETURNS: People flock picnic spots with family and friends in Bhopal, less crowd in market

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): This Sunday was not a day to remain indoors and relax which we all had been doing for almost three months. With the lifting of the Sunday lockdown, things seem returning to normal.

With no restrictions in place, people thronged picnic spots, markets and public places enjoying Sunday in a real sense like the good old days. People have been waiting for almost three months for the usual Sunday to return.

The state government on Saturday announced to lift all lockdowns on Sunday as the Corona positivity rate has dropped to 0.06 in the State. However, night curfew will continue for now.

After a long period, police teams were not seen stopping people, which was a usual sight on Sundays for the last few months. The traders also welcomed the decision, as they have been losing business following lockdown on Sundays.

Market witnessed a usual rush during morning hours, however, things improved by the evening, traders blamed Sunday low turnout to the late announcement by the administration regarding unlocking. Traders are looking forward to next weekend.

However, the scene was very different at the city picnic joints and eateries. Many people chose to give shopping a miss this Sunday and flocked to picnic spots with family and friends. Lake view, Kolar Dam, kerwa dam, Bhojpur, Van Vihar witnessed heavy footfall.

However, a number of people were seen flouting cocona protocol at the picnic spots. Many were moving without face masks and ignoring physical distancing at the tourist spots.

General secretary of Thok Vyapar Mandal, Anupam Agrawal said, “Sunday lockdown has been lifted after almost three months. Thok Bazar remained closed but the business in other markets remained normal. People's response was not very enthusiastic in the market.”

Same was the situation in New Market, one of busiest markets of the city. “The scene in the market was no different than the other days. It may be because many people were not aware that Sunday lockdown has been lifted as many people do not read newspapers. The announcement of the lifting of the restriction was made very late on Saturday and many people were unaware of it,” said Satish Gangrade, president of New Market traders Association.