After not being able to cope with the increasing crowding every day and fearing the transmission of Covid-19 Sankata Club which had installed colourful umbrellas at the 150-metre stretch from New Road to Sankata temple has closed all umbrellas from Saturday evening.

After installing 420 colourful umbrellas nearly three weeks ago, everyday over 15,000 people, mostly youths, would visit the area to make Tik-Tok videos and take selfies according to the club.

On Saturday the crowd was more intense in the area as pictures of the street became viral in social media. Local residents last week had been concerned about the crowds for some time.

“Besides transmission of Covid-19, this place became so crowded that vehicular movement was impossible. The crowd interrupted the local businesses and mobility,” said Ashish Man Singh, secretary of the club.

He said those umbrellas were closed after consultations with local businesses who contributed money to install those umbrellas at a cost of Rs 300,000.

“We have kept those umbrellas in our store, and we will try some other ideas to make this street a more happening place,” said Singh. He said there is a possibility of reinstalling umbrellas on certain occasions temporarily.

The idea of installing colourful umbrellas came up to attract more people in the area. After the four-month nationwide lockdown ended on July 21 business in the New Road area has not been able to peak to pre-Covid times.