With cases in villages along the border with Maharashtra and Goa continued to stay high, police in the District of Bellagavi sent tourists, who were not vaccinated or did not activate the Covid-19 negative certificate, from two neighboring countries.
There are 14 checkpoints along the border.
In the past week, more than 500 cases have been reported on the border of the Taluk, especially in Chikkodi, and this has worried district administration.
District police have intensified checks and monitor people who arrived at checkpost 24/7.
Health workers also conduct quick antigen tests (mice) on commuters.
Minister of Home Affairs Basavaraj Bommai visited this district recently and directed the administration to tighten the sidewalk on inter-country travel.
Since then, district police stop all vehicles and examine occupants.
So far, during the past week, more than 2,000 people have been sent back to the border because they do not comply with the Covid-19 protocol.
The police have even arranged the KSRTC bus to drop passengers who do not have a negative report or vaccine certificate again across the border.
A very strict check has caused a lot of discomfort because thousands of people pass every day.
Most people travel to attend weddings, family events, and even work.
District police now prioritize people before giving permission to them to enter Karnataka.
On the border, rat tests are being carried out on people who have no choice but to enter.
Laxman Nimbagi, police supervisor, told TOI they had decided to issue an identity card to daily commuters.
“There are many traveling to work every day.
We will issue an ID card to them.
Other people who cannot provide a negative certificate or vaccination certificate will be sent back,” he said.
People say this has left many people who are married in the place of interference.
Abay RajuPut, whose marriage has been set at the end of this month, told Ti he was interested in his relatives who were present, but many were backed out because of checks.
“I want my relatives to come and bless me.
But everything is in Maharashtra and with the current rules, I can’t expect them to appear,” he said.