It is apparent that a lockdown of any country on the scale that India has implemented cannot be a painless exercise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation, had clearly explained how this is the only option to save the country from the dangerous and rapid spread of the pandemic.
Anyhow, on the first day of 21-days lockdown, pictures emerging from various parts of the country suggest that both people and Indian administrative machine are slowly figuring out ways to sail through this difficult time.
The following pictures and information are collated by credible social media handles and news outlets.
Remember? PM Modi in his speech said, “it is wrong to think that social distancing is just for patients. It is for everyone including the Prime Minister.”
Well, the cabinet has put this into action.
#SocialDistancing followed strictly at the union cabinet meeting chaired by PM @narendramodi which is underway#StayHome pic.twitter.com/P9CyS9o4hZ
— DD News (@DDNewslive) March 25, 2020
Of course, there is bound to be some initial confusion bound among people and administrative machineries at the ground level. However, this is how people are practising social distancing while accessing essentials. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s official handle tweeted these set of pictures.
भाजीपाला व इतर जीवनावश्यक वस्तू खरेदी करताना Social Distancing या उपायाचा अवलंब करताना नागरिक.
Citizens practising social distancing while buying vegetables & other essential commodities. pic.twitter.com/Hiacyf4PC6
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) March 25, 2020
Yesterday, several social media handles quoted incidents in which delivery boys of essential service were questioned by the Police. But on the first day itself, this situation seems to be getting addressed, and the police are seen facilitating needed support to public and the supply chain.
Here is how Pune police are addressing the issue.
@Grofers @BigBajar @bigbasket_com @ninjacart @amazon or any other home delivery service pl contact 9145003100 for any facilitation. U May send senior official for meeting at council hall at 1300hrs today, if possible
— CP Pune City (@CPPuneCity) March 25, 2020
This is how Bengaluru city Police are working amidst people to sail through confidently this phase.
Earworm alert! Our ACP Tabarak Fathima gave a new twist to the song we all know so well. See how easy it is to stay safe? #ArrestCorona pic.twitter.com/dUAxbtwoLU
— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) March 24, 2020
The Chief Ministers of states are seen addressing people through media and assuring that the essential services will be intact and appealing people not resort to panic buying. Here are few instances to highlight how various Chief Ministers are working to ensure that the lockdown is less painful.
ANI quotes Yogi Adityanath: I would like to assure the 23 crore people of Uttar Pradesh that we have enough stock of essential items like vegetables,milk,medicines etc. For the safety of you and your family don't step out of your houses & maintain social distance pic.twitter.com/u7jMOjE0JG
— Times of India (@timesofindia) March 24, 2020
Officials flag off vehicles carrying essential goods in #Ayodhya, UP, which would distribute vegetables and other essential items in residential areas pic.twitter.com/SW6Gq0tVFY
— DD News (@DDNewslive) March 25, 2020
It is a war-like situation so I have compared this Coronavirus with war, when we are not aware of the enemy then the enemy will attack us, so we have to be aware as we cannot see this enemy: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. https://t.co/H4cc035OK9
— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: We will issues passes for those providing essential services, E-passes will be provided to those who need to open their shops and factories for these services https://t.co/VOaYgGbLnT
— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020
Since a limited period lockdown is the only viable solution with which the world at large has also come to terms with, Indians also need to resolve and prepare themselves to sail through this difficult time with restraint.