Arvind Kejriwal had said that economic activities should be allowed in Delhi except in containment zones.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sought the response of the people of Delhi on what should be the way forward regarding the lockdown against coronavirus which is already in its seventh week. His appeal came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with all Chief Ministers yesterday, where they were tasked with submitting a blueprint regarding the lockdown, which, after two extensions, is scheduled to end on May 17.
The overall number of coronavirus cases in the country crossed 70,000 today. Delhi, which has the third highest number of patients in the country, has crossed the 7,000-mark.
Addressing an online media briefing tis afternoon, Mr Kejriwal said "I want to ask the people of Delhi -- should buses run? Should Metro services begin? please send in your suggestions on what the government should do after May 17".
The suggestions can be sent by calling toll-free number 1031, WhatsApp number 8800007722 or by sending emails to delhicm.suggestions@gmail.com by 5 pm on Wednesday. Good suggestions will be discussed with experts and doctors, he said.
At the meeting yesterday, the Prime Minister said the states should submit a written strategy by Friday on how they would deal with the "various nuances during and after the gradual easing of the lockdown".
"We now have reasonably clear indication as to the geographical spread of the pandemic in India, including the worst affected areas. Moreover, over the past few weeks, officials have understood operating procedures in a time such as this, right up to the district level," PM Modi said.
Mr Kejriwal has made it clear that his government needs revenue as much as the people need shops and businesses to open.
Delhi, he said last week, was "ready to lift the lockdown". In line with the Central guidelines, the Chief Minister has announced several relaxations, especially in the areas that have not seen any coronavirus cases.
Yesterday, at the meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Kejriwal said economic activities should resume in the national capital, except in coronavirus containment zones which are in strict lockdown to check the spread of the virus.