In light of the upcoming festivals of Shardiya Navratri, Vijayadashami, Dussehra and Chehallum, the Uttar Pradesh government has released a new list of guidelines for ensuring law and order in the state. In addition to this, the Chief Minister has instructed the authorities to make sure that all COVID-related orders and protocols are strictly adhered to. While the pandemic has relaxed its grip over the state, it is important for the citizens to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour at all times.
Crowds to never exceed the maximum capacity of the ground
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As per the orders issued by Additional Chief Secretary Home, Avanish Kumar Awasthi, the local governing bodies have been asked to ensure that the public movement and traffic is not disturbed by the Durga Puja and Ramlila pandals. They would sanction the requests for setting up these centres only after taking due care of the expected effects.
While the state officials have permitted the organisers to place idols in the traditional but empty spaces, they have ordered that the size of the statuette must be as small as possible. Besides, the venue should not have more people than the capacity of the ground, at any given time.
Immersion processions must have the minimum possible people
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In addition to this, the orders entail that small vehicles must be deployed for the immersion of idols. The organisers must make sure that there are minimum possible people for the immersion program and all attendees adhere to the social distancing and masking protocol.
Further, the local officials will make sure that a seamless flow of traffic is maintained and the rules of the Motor Vehicles Act are followed at all times. Further, all suspicious vehicles will be inspected with the help of barriers and police check posts. Along with this, the local bodies must keep a check on public facilities like electricity, drinking water and cleanliness.
– With inputs from IANS
