Week later, Chandigarh lifts weekend lockdown

Several market associations had been opposing the weekend lockdown in the city saying that it was affecting their business as it was during the weekends only that people would come for shopping.

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The administration while lifting the weekend lockdown in markets issued a statement saying, "However, the market associations and customers must ensure strict following of hygienic practices like wearing of mask and social distancing." (Representational)

Just a week after announcing weekend lockdown, the Chandigarh Administration ordered that weekend closure of markets will be discontinued.

Several market associations had been opposing the weekend lockdown in the city saying that it was affecting their business as it was during the weekends only that people would come for shopping. They had given several representations to the administration asking for a rollback of this order.

The administration while lifting the weekend lockdown in markets issued a statement saying, “However, the market associations and customers must ensure strict following of hygienic practices like wearing of mask and social distancing.”

Last week as Punjab and Haryana had imposed restrictions on weekends, Chandigarh went ahead with closure of shops and offices on weekends. Officials said that shoppers from Punjab and Haryana would come to Chandigarh on weekends and that will lead to rush. However, now the lockdown has been lifted.

The Chandigarh Beopar Mandal welcomed the step. “We on behalf of Chandigarh Beopar Mandal and traders of city express our gratitude to Chandigarh Administration for lifting weekend lockdown from shopkeepers of city.This will help traders to continue and survive in the present circumstances,” said Charanjiv Singh, chairman of the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal.

He added, “We will cooperate with Chandigarh Administration if it comes with any other measure which helps in stopping of spread of corona in the city as we are also concerned about the pandemic.”

SUKHNA BAN ON WEEKENDS and ODD-EVEN TO CONTINUE

The UT Administration announced that the weekend closure of Sukhna Lake will continue. Residents can utilise various parks for physical activities, i.e. walking and yoga.

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Also, it was said that the odd-even formula being applied in congested markets, as have been notified earlier, will continue till September 3.

STATUS OF COVID PATIENTS

Dr Jagat Ram, director, PGIMER, stated that they have 173 Covid patients in Nehru Hospital Extension, out of whom 55 belong to Chandigarh, 65 to Punjab, 31 to Haryana and 10 to Himachal Pradesh. He also stated that they have tested 962 samples, out of which 87 were found positive. Similarly, they have tested 241 samples under Rapid Antigen Testing, out of which 36 were found positive. Dr B S Chavan, director principal, GMCH, stated that they tested 278 samples, out of which 27 were found positive. All these patients were from various parts of the city. Dr G Dewan, Director Health Services, stated that they have conducted 879 Covid tests, out of which 536 were Antigen tests. He also stated that regular fogging has been done in sectors 55 and 56.

Dr G Dewan stated that 34,857 people have registered for Digital Health Cards and 4,72,104 people have downloaded Arogya Setu application.

The Administrator directed all to expedite registration of Digital Health Cards, so that people could take benefit of the new scheme.

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The Administrator directed Principal Secretary (Education) to ensure that necessary Covid teaching is imparted to the children regarding three Ws: wearing of mask, washing of hands and watching distancing and other hygienic practices. He directed that every school, while giving online classes, must include it as a part of mandatory instructions.

He also directed that audio announcements should be made in public places/market places, advising people to follow hygienic practices to prevent Covid infection.

Hina Rohtaki

Hina Rohtaki is a Special Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. She is one of the most prominent journalists covering the Chandigarh Administration, civic issues, and the unique political status of the Union Territory. Professional Background Experience: She has been in the field for over a decade and is known for her investigative reporting on administrative waste and urban governance. Awards: She is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, which was presented to her by the President of India in January 2020. She was also awarded the Jethmalani prize (The Will of Steel Awards) in 2025 in the Empowerment category for a series of articles that highlighted the struggles of Covid widows. Core Beat: Her primary focus is the Chandigarh administrative structure, the Union Territory's financial management, and urban development projects. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent work highlights a focus on government accountability, administrative expenditures, and civic trends: 1. Investigative & Financial Reporting "Fuelling power: Senior UT IAS officers guzzled petrol worth Rs 30 lakh in 2 yrs" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative report detailing the high fuel bills of top bureaucrats, including the Finance Secretary and Chief Secretary’s staff. "Admn spends Rs 1.5 crore on dismantling road railings and fixing again after increasing height" (Dec 8, 2025): Highlighting administrative waste on "non-viable" solutions for pedestrian control. "Chandigarh’s finances under ministry’s watch now" (Nov 27, 2025): Reporting on the new requirement for MHA approval for all new projects in the UT. 2. Governance & Constitutional Status "What will it mean for Chandigarh if it is brought under Article 240?" (Nov 24, 2025): An "Explained" piece on the potential constitutional shift that would grant the President more power over the UT's governance. "MP Manish Tewari moves Bill seeking directly elected Mayor with 5-year tenure" (Dec 6, 2025): Covering the legislative push to reform Chandigarh's municipal leadership structure. "No proposal to increase Mayor's term in Chandigarh by 5 years: Centre" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on the Union government's response to demands for a longer mayoral term. 3. Urban Infrastructure & Environment "Chandigarh admn cuts power to India's tallest air purifier, asks firm to dismantle it" (Nov 17, 2025): A critical report on the failure of a high-cost environmental project deemed "of no use" by experts. "UT rethinks 24/7 water supply project as costs soar" (Nov 26, 2025): Detailing the financial challenges and delays in modernizing the city's water network. "Centre 'obfuscating, covering up' MC's shifting deadlines for clearing Dadu Majra dump" (Dec 12, 2025): Reporting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the city's major waste dump. 4. Lifestyle & Local Trends "Chandigarh turns into a Thar city as women fuel the surge" (Dec 2, 2025): A feature on a unique automotive trend in the city, with a record 600 registrations by women drivers this year. "After fivefold spike in 2023, EV sales struggle to pick pace in Chandigarh" (Dec 2, 2025): Analyzing the slowdown in electric vehicle adoption despite previous surges. Signature Beat Hina is known for her meticulous tracking of RTI (Right to Information) data to expose administrative inefficiency. Her "Ground Zero" reporting on the Dadu Majra garbage dump and her scrutiny of the Chandigarh Smart City projects have made her a key figure in the city’s civil society discourse. X (Twitter): @HinaRohtaki ... Read More

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