Rs 200 fine for first time mask violation, Rs 500 for every repeated violation within SMC limits : Mayor Mattu

Srinagar/Dec,22 : Mayor Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Junaid Azim Mattu on Monday took strong exception of the movement of people without masks at publc places and announced penalty of Rs 200/- for first mask violation and Rs 500 for every repeated violation .
A statement issued by Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Tuesday said ” Mayor Junaid Azeem Mattu said It is noticed that a large number of people are seen in public places and on public transport without masks”, adding that “to tackle COVID 19 Pandemic We have come together as a city to combat COVID in the past and as such there is no room for complacency now”. He, according to the SMC statement, said initiatives have to be taken to resume a mass movement to defeat COVID 19 – together and urged line departments to come together to evolve a joint mechanism to enforce COVID guidelines on ground in Srinagar.
“We will involve other departments and their decentralized field workers to enforce the guidelines”, said the Mayor, adding that “We will have to pool in and understand that the battle against COVID 19 isn’t restricted to jurisdictions or departments but the city will need to come together as a whole.” . He assured that SMC will take the lead in Srinagar and reach out to other departments. “The Police will play a key role as the violation of COVID guidelines will need to be dealt with sternly under the ambit of law”, the Mayor said, adding that “wearing of face-masks when one steps out of house is mandatory under COVID19 guidelines”. Assuring that a joint, multi-department action-plan wii be strategised to enforce adherence, he further said “starting from Ist January ,as per sections 43(g),282, 284, 285 1(a)1(b),2 and 287 as a preventive measure to combat COVID 19 pandemic in Srinagar City limits, not wearing a face mask in Public places will entail a fine of Rs 200”. He announced that on first violation Violators will be fined 200 rupees and a fine of Rs 500 will be imposed on any repeat violations added Mayor SMC.