Lockdown in Delhi: Thousands flood wine shops, bus stands

Migrants arrive at Anand Vihar Terminal after the announcement

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced the lockdown from 10 pm on Monday night till 5 am next Monday as the health system is being stretched to its limits amid the spiralling infections. In the past few days, the daily COVID-19 cases have been around 25,500 and the health system in Delhi is under tremendous pressure, he said.

People queue up outside a liquor shop, in Delhi, on Monday. Pics/PTI

Soon after the announcement, long, serpentine queues were seen outside liquor shops in Delhi, with tipplers braving the sun for hours and occasionally breaking into heated arguments. Waiting for his turn in one such queue in south Delhi, Ravinder Saxena said he wanted to stock up as he believed there are chances that the lockdown will be extended further.

"Liquor helps keep negative thinking out of your mind," he said, while waiting for his turn.

"There are many people at the shop, and I will try to buy at least six to eight bottles for myself," Saxena added.

An association of liquor companies, meanwhile, came out with a statement urging the Delhi government to start home delivery of alcoholic beverages in the city, on the lines of Maharashtra, to ease the rush.

Thousands of migrant workers gathered at Anand Vihar to catch a bus home, even though the CM appealed to them with folded hands to not leave Delhi while sounding a word of assurance - "Main hoon na" (I am here for you).

Police officers said over 5,000 people gathered at Anand Vihar including at ISBT as well as the railway station and the numbers were rising.

"We have deployed maximum force here. Buses are limited as of now, we are guiding people as per their destination," he said. The police were also in talks with civil adminstration officials to either arrange transport for them or shelter homes for their temporary stay, the officer said.

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No. of days' lockdown imposed starting Mon night

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