Srinagar: Hours after Srinagar Mayor announced closure of all educations institutes to prevent spread of coronavirus, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Khan on Wednesday said that the decision to close schools in the city can only be taken by the Chief Secretary. Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattu earlier in the morning said that educational institutions, public clubs, sports clubs, indoor and open stadiums, coaching centers, which fall under jurisdiction of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), would be closed from tomorrow. However, contradicting Mattu, the Divisional Commissioner said the Mayor has only suggested the closure of schools. ”But, there has to be a government order for the closure of educational and other institutes,” he said.
Khan said that the suggestion will be discussed in a meeting with the Chief Secretary and a decision will be made accordingly. ”The Chief Secretary has the authority to pass such orders, we are here only to implement them,” he added.
Reacting to the comments made by the Divisional Commissioner, the Mayor said the steps officiated by SMC (after discussion and voting in special session of the Council) are under the full purview of law. ”Within Srinagar City limits, the measures directed have to be enforced under Section 285 of the JK MC Act,” he added.
The Srinagar Mayor earlier in the day said that under a special set of statutory provisions, SMC has ordered closure of all educational institutions, public clubs, sports clubs, indoor and open stadiums, coaching centers within Srinagar City Limits till further orders. ”The order within SMC limits takes effect from tomorrow,” he tweeted.
He said these decisions have been taken under Section 285 of the J&K Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 – ”Special measures in case of out-break of dangerous or epidemic disease (or threatened by an outbreak”.
”The resolution has been passed unanimously. There is no scope for confusion,” he added.
He said SMC will procure 1,000 full quarantine body-kits and spraying machines. ”Deployment of 200 teams of 5 each for special sterilisation with NaCLO, Bleach at vulnerable hubs,” he said.
He said all public/private hospitals to go into heightened sanitation/sterilisation mode. ”There will be daily sterilisation rosters at hospitals, airport, railway station and places of worship,” he said, adding all sports events within SMC limits will be cancelled with immediate effect.
The Mayor said operational licenses for all private institutions will be cancelled if found in violation of these directives, he added.
”This has been necessitated due to the severity of the challenge and the importance of taking 100 per cent precautions. While panicking won’t help, taking this lightly won’t help either. Better cautious than sorry,” he added.
