Lockdown in Telangana? No government transparency
Since March 22, 2020, we have had a Janata Curfew and four lockdowns, none with any forewarning. In between, there were moments when we were asked to light candles and come out to our balconies or fling open our windows and clap, ring bells or just bang vessels — without rationale, of course!
Then on May 30, the Centre announced easing of activities across India from June 1, while extending the lockdown till June 30, in containment zones and buffer zones (areas right outside the containment zones, where the authorities anticipated a rise in cases). All activities that were banned earlier were opened up from June 1 in areas outside containment zones in a phased manner to reallow economic activity and movement of goods and services.
As cases rise, Unlock 1.0
Earlier, in March, when the disease was spreading at a slow rate, an all-India lockdown was imposed. So, it came as a surprise that decisions to relax lockdown from June 8, while advising citizens to follow social distancing norms and other safety guidelines, such as mandatorily wearing masks in public places, was happening at a time when the cases began to spike.
In Hyderabad, lockdown rumours
Now, the Telangana government is treading a similar path. For the past few days, all that I have been hearing are various reports of another lockdown, especially in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, one that may “span 15 days”. However, till now there has been no concrete word from any relevant authority.
While it’s understandable that the government machinery is concerned about the sharp surge in cases in the state, sending out mixed signals isn’t the right way forward. The authorities need to be more transparent with citizens and treat them like grown-ups, instead of just asking them to light candles, clap, ring bells or bang vessels.
Another lockdown? Anxious moments
I travelled from Hyderabad, my city of residence, to Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on June 18. Yesterday (July 1), I completed my 14-day mandatory home quarantine. Keeping this in mind, when I booked my return ticket for Hyderabad, I set a date of July 3.
However, over the last few days all reports of the likelihood of another lockdown in Hyderabad and a few neighbouring areas has only set the cat among the pigeons. Now, an air of uncertainty surrounds my return to Hyderabad. If a lockdown is imposed before July 3, I am not sure how I will make it home.
Government needs to bring in transparency
In such a scenario, a bit of transparency on the government’s part would greatly help. The least they could have done is let citizens know the criteria for a shutdown — what boxes they want ticked before shutting down again.
Though we could see a few tweaks to the relaxations over the next few days, lack of transparency by the government suggests that the decision to impose or not impose a lockdown will be a political one, not to avert a health crisis. Irrespective of whatever decision the government takes, for me, the anxiety and suspense seem to be unending.
