Okhla wears deserted look, a few e-rickshaws ply on road
A few hours before six-day lockdown is to be implemented in Delhi from 10 pm tonight, Okhla wore a deserted look with only a few e-rickshaws seen on the road.
When asked, erickshaw driver said many are rushing back to their hometown. But some attributed less crowd on the road to people going for prayer after breaking their fasting.
“The lockdown has started and about 50 drivers have left for their homes in other States. There are fear that it might be extended. Besides, many said that there is no point spending money on keeping rickshaw at rented accommodation and paying the rent daily,” he said.
Some were seen standing at road looking for autos to take them to station. A photo has surfaced of Anand Vihar in which one can see huge turnout of people at the railway station.
The development has taken place despite, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urging labourers not to panic and stay in Delhi.
“To all the migrant labourers in Delhi, I fold my hands and request you to stay in Delhi. This will hopefully remain a short lockdown,” said Kejriwal.
In this duration, all essential services concerning food, medicine, etc will continue, a total of 50 people would be allowed to attend weddings for which separate passes will be issued, he said.
However, the exact number of people leaving Okhla is not known.