The lockdown has created a major problem for all those who are staying far off from their homes. The announcement of the nationwide curfew was very sudden, and so was the extension. Amid the crisis, people stranded in various parts of the country are longing to go back to their residences. Understanding the plight, the Assam government has eased the inter-district travel for three days.
How Is It Happening?
The first and foremost thing required for the travel is an e-pass secured from the concerned Deputy Commissioner. The Deputy Commissioner will allow to and fro journey from 25th to 27th April 2020, given that the grounds are valid and genuine. It is only a ‘one-time inter-district movement for persons within Assam’. All those who need to get medical check-ups done in other districts can also travel during these three days. Also, a commuter can use an e-pass only once.
People having their own vehicles can travel only if proper permissions are granted. If someone has a permit to carry a patient from one place to another, will face actions if there is no patient on board. Alternatively, if a patient doesn’t have a personal vehicle, he or she can contact the helpline number 104 for ambulance facilities.
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What Else?
Special arrangements will be made through ASTC for people who require public transportation. The authorities have identified pick-up and drop points at each location. People who need to avail the facilities will have to contact 104 and provide all relevant details. Employers can also transport migrant labourers during this time. In that case, a single vehicle cannot carry more than 25 workers.
Also, travel relaxations are strictly on an inter-district basis. No permission of going to any other state has been given. Certain districts exempted from the relaxations are Dhubri, Morigaon, Nalbari, Golaghat and Goalpara. Other related details are available on the COVID-19 portal of the Assam government.
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This dark hour has already left us unnerved and fearful. The biggest emotional support we can have at this point of time is from our families. We anticipate that other states will take up similar measures so that stranded students and employees can reach their closed ones soon.