CHANDIGARH: In what appears to be a big relief for those travelling between Delhi and Haryana, the Haryana government on Sunday decided to open all the borders with Delhi in four districts from Monday onwards.
Alarmed by a sudden spike of Covid-19 cases in the NCR districts, Haryana had sealed the borders with Delhi from Friday. This had led to chaos on inter -state borders of Delhi with Gurugram, Sonipat, Jhajjar and Faridabd.

The decision of opening the borders was taken during the high-level meeting chaired by CM Manohar Lal Khattar at his camp office. Besides CM Khattar, deputy CM Dushyant Chautala, home and health minister Anil Vij, chief secretary Keshni Anand Arora and administrative secretaries for home, health and other departments were available during the meeting which lasted for over two hours
The meeting was called to take further course of action in the wake of guidelines issued by MHA for the lockdown 5.0 starting from Monday. Consequent to MHA guidelines, the state government too has lifted restrictions on the areas which have come out of containment zones.
According to information, besides allowing the inter-district and inter-state movement, it has been decided to open markets from 9am to 7pm in the areas out of the containment zones. The markets will be allowed to open from Monday to Saturday and Sunday will be completely closed for all the activities.
Officials informed that the district magistrates have been authorized to take the call according to the Covid-19 situation and general situation of the areas falling under their jurisdiction.
Referring to religious places, it was decided that the state government will convene another meeting before June 8th to take the final call on opening of religious places. Sources said that decision will be taken after assessing the Covid-19 situation in the state.
State government has though ruled out opening of Shopping Malls and mega marts, but the government may open educational institutions after July 1.
“We are keen on opening the educational institutions. But, the final decision will be taken after holding in depth discussion with the stakeholders as well as the prevailing situation and the anticipated situation. Besides this, the SOPs for opening of institutions too have to be prepared,” a senior officer said.
Rest, DM too has an important role to play now. Depending upon the current situation, the DM can put prohibitory orders in place, the officer added.