Srinagar: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Thursday closed entry of the public to its headquarters in Srinagar till further orders. The decision, taken in view of the threat of cornonavirus, left many people fuming who had come for documents related to civic issues that the municipality deals with.
On Wednesday, SMC Commissioner Gazanafar Ali had ordered for enforcement of precautionary measures within Srinagar limits.
“For the past many days I have been following up on a case related to issuance of birth certificate of my child. Today I had to present the court order but nobody was being allowed inside,” said Muzaffar Ahmad, a resident of Lal Chowk.
Ahmad said that instead of closing their central office, the SMC should ensure sanitation and hygiene in the city, beginning with its own office.
Another person who had to return disappointed said that there must be some means left for public issues to be dealt with.
Earlier this week, the SMC had ordered closure of all educational institutions and coaching centers, all gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor stadia, all public clubs, and sports centers in Srinagar.
It also called for more bleaching to be done at vulnerable hubs and all public/private hospitals to go into heightened sanitation/sterilisation mode.
The SMC Commissioner’s order further advised daily sterilisation rosters at hospitals, airport, railway stations, and places of worship, and cancellation of all sports events within SMC limits and phased segregation of flea markets including the Sunday Market in Lal Chowk.

NAZIMA SIDIQ