Mokokchung lifts restriction on inter-state movement of vehicles

Mokokchung, Sep. 7 (EMN): The Mokokchung district administration has lifted the restriction on movement of inter-state vehicles carrying essential commodities and goods across Tzutapela and Watiyongpang check gates. The administration has also allowed the movement of intra-district and inter-state commercial passenger vehicles.

The deputy commissioner of Mokokchung, in an order issued on September 7, stated that the restriction on movement of inter-state vehicles carrying essential commodities and goods across Tzutapela and Watiyongpang check gates has been lifted with immediate effect subject to strict compliance of the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

In a separate notification, the district administration has stated that the restriction on intra-district and interstate commercial passenger vehicles are also lifted subject to strict compliance of the “Consolidated Guidelines” with immediate effect.

 Consolidated guidelines for commercial passenger vehicles:

•         In all passenger taxis, there should not be more than two persons sitting in the middle and rear row seats. In case of the rear, the seat along the length of the vehicles, no more than one person should sit on each of the rear seats. In the front row, there should be only one passenger.

•         In all passenger vehicles, the driver, attendant and the passengers should wear masks. Further, the driver and attendant should make mandatory provision for hand sanitisers for use by the passenger(s). Only passengers wearing masks must be allowed to travel. The commercial vehicles moving for long distances should be mandatorily cleaned and disinfected before the start of every journey with the new passenger(s). Those moving for short distances will also be disinfected regularly by the driver or attendants.

•         The rate chart fixed by the competent authority (order) for commercial passenger vehicles should be strictly enforced.

The order went on to state that all the guidelines for safe practices in high-risk setting to prevent transmission of Covid-19, for commercial passenger vehicles and taxis, as mentioned earlier, should be strictly adhered to by all concerned.

The provisions for all commercial vehicles will be monitored and enforced by a joint team comprising the district administration, police and RTO/DTO.

The order also warned that any person or group acting in violation of the order would be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under 188 IPC.