LUCKNOW: With the lifting of the Covid curfew, streets and markets were buzzing with activity again on Wednesday.
A large number of people who came out were seen wearing masks, but social distancing was ignored in several prominent thoroughfares.
Footfall was low in Hazratganj, but shops selling mobile phones and accessories and electronic items saw moderate turnout.
Since the area is spacious, people were seen maintaining social distancing, but shops in lanes and congested areas witnessed overcrowding.
Similarly, social distancing was a casualty in the congested markets of Aminabad.
Most shops selling clothes, books and general utility items saw good turnout.
“We are making sure that people wear masks and sanitize hands, but despite appeals, many are not following distancing and we cannot be rude to customers,” said Sashi Bansal, a cloth trader.
Similar was the scene in Alambagh, Indiranagar, Daliganj, Nishatganj, Yahiyaganj and Niralanagar.
The weekly market at Gole Market in Mahanagar was also packed with a large number of people coming to buy various items of general utility.
At some places, in all these markets, shopkeepers were seen not wearing masks.
Sumit Rastogi, a customer at Nishatganj vegetable market, said, “None of the sellers is using masks.
Social distancing is also absent in these shops.” In Daliganj market, Rajendra Kushwaha, who was buying fruits, was asked why he was not wearing a mask.
He said, “I have received both doses of the vaccine, so it does not matter whether I wear a face mask or not.” Some people also gave excuses like they are unable to wear masks because of difficulty in breathing due to sultry conditions.
Metro returns to track:Lucknow Metro service resumed on the entire Airport to Munshipulia route on Wednesday.
“Special attention is being paid towards cleaning and sanitization of stations and trains.
Ultra Violet Lamps are being used for sanitising trains and tokens ,” said Metro officials.
PSKs reopen: The four Passport Seva Kendras under the Regional Passport Office also re-opened for public on Wednesday.
PSKs at Kanpur, Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Varanasi have resumed passport related work.
However, only those applicants should visit the office who are required to.
The others should opt for online services.