Concerned with rising Covid-19 cases, Uttarkashi villagers seal borders

Uttarkashi: Concerned with rising number of Covid-19 cases in Barkot town in Uttarkashi district, people of a nearby village, Kharsali, have sealed the borders of their village on their own. The villagers said they would not only allow “outsiders” to come to their village but also would not let people of their village to cross the border. They even threatened to complain to the district administration if anyone disobeys the diktat.

“Many pilgrims and outsiders used to visit Kharsali village, which is renowned as a winter abode of goddesses Yamuna. Besides, local villagers also visit Barkot town for their routine works and to meet relatives. Though Barkot is nearly 45 kilometres from Kharsali, we fear that novel coronavirus might also reach here,” said Amit Uniyal, deputy pradhan, Kharsali village.

Responding to the move taken by the villagers, Ashish Chauhan, district magistrate, Uttarkashi, said, “Although, sealing the borders is not the correct way to contain the pandemic, we can understand the fear of the villagers. We will convince them to open the borders. We will also motivate them to follow safety guidelines to remain protected. The administration teams are working on contact tracing and early detection of patients to control the spread of contamination.”

Meanwhile, the traders of Barkot town, which has reported 14 cases in the past one week, have decided to shut the market till July 26.

District president of vyapar mandal Kabul Singh Panwar said, “Except for shops selling essential items like grocery, milk, and medicines, all other stores will remain closed.”

“Moreover, traders of Uttarkashi, Purola and Naugaon regions have also decided to reduce the timings of the market for few weeks as a precautionary measure”, he added.