E-pass issuance restricted in city’s neighbouring districts

E-pass issuance restricted in city’s neighbouring districts

Employees of industries told to find lodging near workplace

13/06/2020

The Tiruvallur district administration has restricted issuance of e-pass to enter the district, even for work.

Many people from Chennai travel to Tiruvallur on a daily basis to work in industries. Till date, police and district administration were allowing those working in different industries if they their work identity cards were presented.

Strict enforcement

“Now we have stopped that and only those with e-passes will be allowed to enter. We are providing passes only to those living near the industries. Those living far away can get a pass and stay near their workplace. Travelling daily will not be encouraged,” Tiruvallur Collector Mageswari Ravikumar said. Meanwhile, the police have intensified checking of e-passes in the districts bordering Chennai. Vehicles from Chennai, without valid pass, are not being allowed to enter Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram or Tiruvallur district.

“The e-pass is mandatory to enter other districts. However, as many people from Chennai travel to Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur on a daily basis, it was relaxed a bit. However, we found that many are misusing it and roaming around unnecessarily,” a senior police officer said. There were 15 check points in the border of these districts including one at Thirumazhisai.

“Those without e-pass are being sent back. We will be intensifying the checking in the coming days,” said a senior police officer.

Total lockdown rumours

Tiruvallur SP P. Aravindan said there had been rumours about total lockdown to be announced by the Tamil Nadu government. Since this could lead to panic buying, the police warned people not to spread rumours.

“We will arrest those who spread rumours. The police is closely monitoring social media to identify those who spread fake messages,” he said.