Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)

Udupi, Oct 1: Deputy commissioner (DC) of the district, G Jagadeesha, led an operation in which municipal commissioner Anand Kallolikar was present, on Wednesday September 30, against people violating COVID norms. Those who were found moving around without masks and not maintaining social distance, were fined.

Police sub-inspector and officers above that grade, panchayat development officers, municipal commissioners, health inspectors, sub divisional officer of Kundapur, tahsildars of all the taluks, chief officers of the town panchayats and municipalities, health officers taluk panchayat, executive officers, assistant police sub-inspectors, excise sub-inspectors and officers of excise department above that position, have now been vested with the powers to penalise people not following COVID 19 guidelines, and to initiate legal steps against them. Taking into consideration the need to stop the spread of COVID 19 infection, some of the officials have now been additionally empowered to take action against the violators.

The DC, who conducted the operation along with the municipal commissioner near the court road and commercial establishments, assisted by traffic police and other department officials, fined those who were found to be not wearing masks. A total fine of Rs 7,55,650 has been collected so far in the district till September 29.

Jagadeesha cautioned that this operation will be intensified in the coming days and programmes aimed at spreading awareness about the need to follow rules will also be undertaken. He urged the people to take more care of their health. There were instances in which there was verbal friction between the members of the general public and the officials. Many said that they are already facing financial constraints and held the action of the district administration in imposing fine on them as unjustified.

Details of fine collected

As at September 29, a sum of Rs 1,35,100 was collected from within the limits of the city municipality and town municipalities, and town panchayats. Rs 1,62,300 was collected from panchayat limits, Rs 4,49,100 by police department, Rs 2,200 by excise department and revenue department collected Rs 6,950 as fine. In total, the amount collected was Rs 7,55,650 which does not include the collection of September 30.