A least 160 temporary stalls have been shifted from their usual spots in the Baguiati market to a nearby fairground to control the huge crowds that would gather at the market in violation of social distancing norms.

The market, in a narrow lane, was witnessing a huge footfall every morning as hundreds would converge to buy vegetables, fruits, chicken and fish, an official of the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation said.

The 1-km stretch from the Baguiati bus stand on VIP Road till the Baguiati AC market would be clogged with shoppers. “It used to get so crowded that ensuring social distancing was not possible here,” said the official.

The owners of the stalls that have been shifted to the ground in Narayantala, around 900m from the market, have been advised to set up their establishments at least three metres from each other.

The authorities expressed the hope that since the fairground is at least 900m away from the market, many people would be dissuaded from making too many unnecessary visits to the stalls.

Pranay Kumar Ray, the mayoral council member in charge of the health department of the civic body, said: “We have moved all the temporary stalls to the fairground to ensure social distancing is maintained. The first day has been satisfactory as all the stalls are well spaced out.”

Several shopkeepers Metro spoke to said sales were low on Tuesday despite it being Poila Baisakh.

“It cost me Rs 400 just to get these vegetables from Hatiara in Rajarhat to here. I have not even been able to raise the money spent on transport,” said Sunil Maity, who hails from Rajarhat.

Corporation officials said they would place placards and flexes giving out the directions to the fairground.

In Salt Lake, masks were distributed for free at three block markets including the AB, AC and BD market.

Civic officials also conducted an awareness programme at the market where preventive measures including social distancing and the use of online modes of payment were discussed.

“We distributed the masks and asked people to use hand sanitisers or wash their hands at the facilities placed at the entry and exit point of each market,” said Anindya Chatterjee, the councillor of ward 41 under whose purview the markets fall.