Jharkhand on Sunday observed an unprecedented self-quarantine to break the chain of the novel coronavirus, responding to the televised Janata Curfew appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
And as the clock struck 5pm, several people came out of their homes or out on streets, clapping, ringing bells, clanging plates, blowing conches and bursting crackers to thank those who kept essential services going, including doctors, the police, health and civic workers, delivery personnel, the media and others. Modi had asked all Indians to thank these people at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19.
“We are paying our respect to those who are risking their lives to save humanity. People blowing conches and drumming utensils symbolise that we the people stand together to keep the nation healthy,” said Ranchi research scholar Tulika Swati.
Cities deserted
Shops, roadside kiosks, vegetable marts public and private transport even roadside vegetable markets remained closed across the state’s major cities Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad and Hazaribagh.
Capital Ranchi’s busiest thoroughfares such as the Main Road, Harmu Bypass, Circular Road, Ratu Road, Kanke Road, Kokar Road, Bariatu Road, which are also commercial hubs, were empty, save for stray animals. At Sujata Chowk, a policeman chided a biker out with a girl for a spin near Sujata Chowk. “You stay in some other world? Go home now or we will quarantine you at the police station.” Cops also took a dim view of groups playing cricket. “Social distancing does not mean playing in groups,” said a policeman.
Trains
South Eastern Railway notified cancellation of all passenger carrying trains till March 31. All originating long distance mail, express and intercity trains, including premium trains — Rajdhani and Duronto Express — will remain cancelled till March 31.
A railway spokesperson said that all suburban trains will be cancelled till March 31. “However, to ensure the supply of essential items, movement of goods trains will go on,” said Sanjay Ghosh, SER chief public relations officer.
Refunds
Sanjay Ghosh of SER said arrangements would be made to facilitate hassle-free refund to passengers affected by train cancellations.
Harrowing time
Migrants from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu rushed back to home state Jharkhand. Scared that they would be caught and sent to isolation wards, they tried to avoid cops at Ranchi and Hatia stations on Sunday.
Flights hit
Thirteen of the total 29 flights that Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi was supposed to handle were been cancelled by operating airlines, said Vinod Sharma, airport director. The rest 16 were operating. GoAir cancelled eight flights and Indigo three while Vistara and Air Asia cancelled one flight each, he informed.
Buses off roads
State transport commissioner F.A.A Mumtaz issued an order late on Saturday, cancelling inter-state bus operations.
