925 shops in city closed for violating pandemic norms

According to Corporation data, 925 shops have been closed between May 6 and September 18. Among the zones, the highest number of shops were closed in the Valasaravakkam zone, where 178 shops were closed. In Royapuram, 107 shops were closed.

Apart from closing the shops for serious violations, the civic body has found minor violations at 9,108 shops and institutions across the city and taken action. Also, 75,198 individuals were found failing to wear face masks. In total, the civic body has collected Rs 4.46 crore from shops and individuals.

On Saturday alone, when the civic body launched mask compliance week, as many as 2,072 individuals were found to have violating rules. As many as 237 shops were penalised on the day.

In terms of the highest number of violators and fine amount collected, the Kodambakkam zone, in which Koyambedu Wholesale Market and T Nagar (part) fall under, was at the top among 15 zones. In the zone, 9,576 individuals and 1,330 shops have been fined for violations. The civic body collected Rs 52.40 lakh from the zone, which is also the highest.

“Zonal enforcement teams have been constituted in all the zones to check violations and the teams have been provided patrol vehicles. They are imposing penalties against the violators,” an official said.

Meanwhile, as part of mask compliance week, the civic body formed 200 teams, one team for each of the 200 divisions, to implement mask compliance. The teams comprise officials from Chennai Corporation and city police.

Chennai Corporation Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi warned the city residents of action if they found without face masks in place places.