Ajit Pawar rules out complete lockdown in Pune

Minister hints at stringent regulations to deter violation of COVID-19 norms

While ruling out a total lockdown in Pune, district Guardian Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday hinted at imposing more stringent regulations to deter violation of COVID-19 norms. Mr. Pawar, who chaired a review meeting with senior district administration authorities, was responding to the Bombay High Court’s suggestion that the Maharashtra government consider imposing a complete lockdown in Pune in view of the rise in cases. The district has been reporting a surge of more than 10,000 cases, and 135 to 140 deaths each day. Pune’s active cases stand at over 96,000 and nearly 14,000 fatalities have been recorded since the start of the pandemic last year. Mr. Pawar said, “While some elected representatives have raised the possibility of a total lockdown, the current restrictions are sufficient. We may tighten curbs to deter people who are moving about without any valid reason.”