Bi-weekly Beltola Bozar now opening daily?

GUWAHATI: One of the oldest markets of the city, the Beltola Market that opens twice a week on Thursday and Sunday is now being opened on a daily basis after the lockdown was lifted.

The iconic market, one of the city's buzziest attractions, was closed for more than five months during the lockdown to discourage large gatherings in the area. However, after the announcement of the Unlock phase, it is now being opened everyday and has become a spot of great gatherings.

The vegetable, fruit, fish, and chicken shops which were allowed to sell on a bi-weekly basis are now operating on a daily basis. The permanent clothing shops of the market that used to set up makeshift tents by extending their shops to the roads on markets days are also spreading up their tents daily to catch the eyes of buyers.

Firstly, when the market was reopened during the relaxation period, the police used to monitor whether the norms are being followed by everyone or not. But now it has become a grave threat as the market is being opened every day and is thronged by thousands of shoppers from dawn till dusk.

"The Pamohi fruit and vegetable market under Assam State Marketing Board reopened after five months on September 3. In Guwahati, the daily markets under the GMC (Guwahati Municipal Corporation) are also operating. Thus, what is the rationale behind opening the Beltola Market on a regular basis?" questioned a resident of Beltola while talking to The Sentinel.

"As vegetables are available in the city, the Beltola Market should be allowed to open only twice a week. The administration should check if the shops are following COVID-19 protocols," said Naren Rajbongshi, a local resident.

Another resident named Ritu Raj Boruah added, "It is convenient for us that the market has reopened. However, we are scared that everyone is not following the COVID protocols. There are some buyers as well as sellers who do not wear masks and follow the social distancing norms."

The COVID pandemic is spreading at a rapid pace in the city. 800 to 1,000 positive cases are reported every day, and the number of deaths is also rising. Thus, during this time if the market is opened everyday and the administration is not keeping vigil on it the number of positive cases is bound to surge at a rapid pace.

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