Even as the local authorities have been tasked with handling the nitty-gritty of implementing the 21-day lockdown announced by the Prime Minister and ensuring that the 1.3 billion people of the country get regular supplies of essential groceries, vegetables, milk and medicine at their doorstep, the situation on the ground on Day 2 of the ‘curfew’ continued to be marked by hiccups galore and a confusion-driven scramble for supplies. The yawning gap between the planning and execution exposed chinks in the management of the supply chain, right from trucks carrying goods and retailers to the delivery boys. The smooth flow of the chain was disrupted for reasons varying from highhandedness of the law enforcers, lack of permits or sealing of borders across Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The lucky few who got the supplies felt short-changed, especially with vegetables.

Responsible residents abiding by the orders to stay at home were harried as the phone numbers put out for home delivery of essential items in Chandigarh remained inaccessible. Elsewhere, when some district authorities in the region gave a relaxation in the curfew for the people to go out and shop, items flew off the shelves as panic-buying and hoarding ruled, despite the overcharging. With social distancing going for a toss as people thronged chemist shops and grocery stores, questions arise about the purpose of the lockdown getting defeated. The possibility of the insidious coronavirus spreading in the community definitely goes up.

For the fight against the virus to succeed, there is an urgent need to fix the supply chain hiccups. The operations of production, supply and distribution should not be hampered. The help of local resident welfare associations and volunteers may be solicited. A continuous flow of goods is essential to tide over the trying times. Use of technology and apps to keep the people informed would go a long way in ending the present state of confusion. And, only when a person is assured of a running kitchen, and his health needs are met would he be in a position to abide by that other equally vital request of the PM: each one, help nine poor families.