Shops were closed by shopkeepers at Hathikhana as a mark of protest

The government imposed a curfew due to the increase in the cases of Coronavirus in Gujarat, including the city of Vadodara. Due to fear of a possible lockdown people flocked to the city’s shopping malls, grocery stores, vegetable markets, and other markets late Tuesday evening amid fears that the government might take drastic measures.

Consumers including big and small traders flocked to the Hathikhana market amid fears of curfew and lockdown by the government. As a result, there was a violation of social distancing and the VMC team swiftly swung into action and imposed a fine on the shopkeepers.

The shopkeepers protested by deciding to close the Hathikhana market and chanted slogans against the corporation.

As per details, there was a huge rush of people filling up the monthly groceries as well as big and small traders. Due to the rush, the COVID-19 guideline protocol was violated and the VMC collected a fine of Rs.2,000 from the traders and shopkeepers which led to a protest and shutting down of the market.

The Merchant Association appealed to the leaders of the trade association that there is enough stock in the Hathikhana market. There will be no lockdown by the government, so small traders were appealed not to buy and stock up the items and create an unnecessary rush in the market.

The parking system at Hathikhana was also disrupted as traders and people from the surrounding villages rushed to the spot with various vehicles. At one point the police were forced to take steps to manage the traffic.

Currently, the market has resumed again.