A year on, India battles fresh wave of curfews, curbs

Last year on this day, India saw a glimpse of a total shutdown as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Janata curfew, a peek into what would soon be 'the new normal.'As coronavirus cases rose and retreated, people shuttled between lockdowns and reopenings. Migrant workers took the road home in what came to be the biggest crisis of the lockdown - the exodus of workers. Millions lost jobs and businesses shuttered, however, life went on. As Covid-related fatalities rattled families, the accompanying lockdown made living harder. And as the nation emerged from one crisis, it looks at the face of a possible second wave,Confirmed cases rose to nearly 47,000 today from a low of about 9,800 in February. Will India have to impose more lockdowns and curbs? Only time will tell.

Amid a second Covid-19 wave scare, India marks the anniversary of the 'Janata Curfew' imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 22, 2020, in the view of the pandemic. Credit: PTI File Photo

One year on, after reporting considerbaly less number of cases for a month or so, India has again been registering record daily spikes for the past few days with Maharashtra reporting the highest number of cases every day. Credit: PTI File Photo

If the government imposes a fresh wave of curbs, it will have to take special precautions for industries that employ migrant workers. The exodus of migrants was one of the worst crises emerging out of the pandemic-induced lockdown last year. Credit: DH File Photo

According to the Union Health Ministry, states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh are reporting a surge in the daily Covid-19 cases, accounting for over 80 per cent of the new infections. Credit: PTI File Photo

The Maharashtra government issued a notification asking drama halls/auditoriums to operate only at 50 per cent of their capacity till March 31, and warned they will have to remain closed for a period until the pandemic stays notified as a disaster by the Centre if there is any violation. Credit: PTI File Photo

Private offices, except those related to health and other essential services, have been asked to function only at 50 per cent of their capacity in Maharashtra. Credit: PTI File Photo

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has hinted that Maharashtra might go under a lockdown if cases continue to spike. Credit: PTI File Photo

In the 11 worst-hit districts in Punjab, a complete ban has been ordered on all social gatherings, except for funerals and weddings, which will be allowed with only 20 persons in attendance. Punjab has also ordered closing of all educational institutions till the month-end and curbs on cinema and mall capacities. Credit: PTI File Photo

In view of the spurt in coronavirus cases, Madhya Pradesh has imposed Sunday lockdowns in Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur till further orders. Credit: PTI File Photo

On March 22, India added 90,797 cases of coronavirus in two days with 46,951 new infections being recorded in a span of 24 hours, the highest so far this year, taking the nationwide Covid-19 tally to 1,16,46,081. Credit: PTI File Photo