New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: In wake of the swelling number of coronavirus cases in India, the country on Sunday observed ‘Janata Curfew’. As the 14-hour ‘Janata Curfew’ got underway at 7 am, people kept themselves indoors as part of the social distancing exercise to help stop the spread of the virus.

Malls, offices and all other establishments, except those dealing in essential goods and services, were closed.

In Delhi, roads were deserted with barely some private vehicles and buses plying with people confining themselves to their homes.

“Footage from India Flag of India. Millions clapped hands to thank doctors, nurses & medical staff fighting #CoronavirusPandemic Today morning the entire country of 1.3 billion ppl Flushed face will go into voluntary #JanataCurfew lockdown. Maximum Retweet & inspire World,” said a person on twitter.

In Mumbai too, streets were deserted as the commercial capital observed the restrictions on Sunday with the usually bustling western and eastern express highways.

People in Chennai also observed the ‘Janata Curfew’ strictly and remained to stay inside their homes, as appealed by PM Modi.

“A bike ride on the Mount road in time lapse! Being a Chennaite, have never witnessed such a scenario even during the hardest times! Hard to find even a running auto!,” said a person from Chennai on twitter.

Recommended For You

In Kolkata, the usually bustling Esplanade, and Dalhousie areas, besides airport and railway stations wore a deserted look as people stayed indoors to support the prime minister's call.  

People in other parts of the country also strictly observed ‘Janata Curfew’ as roads were deserted. Curfew-like restrictions on the movement and assembly of people were in force in Kashmir as part of the prime minister's appeal even as the virtual lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus in the valley entered its fourth day.

In Madhya Pradesh where four districts of Jabalpur, Rewa, Seoni and Narsinghpur have been placed under lockdown, roadside shops and eateries remained closed in the state on Sunday.

PM Modi on Thursday had urged people to observe Janata curfew on March 22 from 7.00 am to 9.00 pm in wake of the rising number of coronavirus cases in India.

In his address to the nation on Thursday, PM Modi had appealed the countrymen to stand in their balconies at 5.00 pm on March 22 and clap for five minutes for all those who are working continuously to control the outbreak in the country.

"If possible, please call at least ten people every day and tell them about the ‘janta curfew’ as well as the measures to prevent coronavirus. Restrain is compulsory to protect ourselves and remain healthy. I request that for the coming weeks people should go out of their homes only if essential," PM Modi had said.

(With PTI inputs)


Also In News