Srinagar, Apr 29 : District administration has made mandatory for all residents of Srinagar to wear masks from May 1st and any violation in this regard will be treated as offence under Disaster Management Act.
In an order issued by deputy commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that wearing face masks is mandatory for all Srinagarities from May 1st. “It shall be mandatory to wear Face Mask /Face-covering at all public places including public transport, offices, shopping or market places etc w.e.f 1st May/2020. Medical grade masks which are strictly for hospital use shall however be avoided for general use,” reads the order.
The order reads that all Government Offices /Private Establishments /Shops/ Mandis etc shall put in place arrangements for Handwash/Sanitizers/ Soap etc as per the requirement.
“Information promoting hygiene / handwash shall be displayed at all such places. This shall be applicable for all managed public places and institutions as well.” DC has also directed the nodal department to make available 15 lakh masks, which have been produced, for the public.
“Assistant Commissioner Development, Srinagar (RRD being Nodal Department) shall make available for public use 15 Lakh Masks produced, as per Government order, through Rural Development Department, Social Welfare Department, SHGS and other groups, after approval from competent authority,” reads the order. DC has also directed the nodal department to distribute a pack of 05 Masks per family across district Srinagar.
The order also read that these direction shall remain in force for a period of 2 months and any violation of this order shall attract penal action u/s 51 of The Disaster Management and u/s 188 IPC, including fine—
