Dasehra committees vow to follow Covid guidelines

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 24

The Dasehra festival, celebrated with much fanfare in the district, will be remain a low-key affair this year due to the pandemic. The Health Department and the administration have asked the people not to gather in large numbers and maintain social distancing. Many Dasehra committees are also giving the festival a miss this year.

On the directions of Civil Surgeon Dr Rajesh Bagga, mass media teams apprised the committees regarding the Covid-19 guidelines issued by the Punjab Government.

Jagjeevan Sharma, Block Educator, said, “The Health Department has been successful in controlling the spread of the disease but people should still follow the advisories until a vaccine is available. Our team members under Mission Fateh today met the Partap chowk and Daresi ground committees and apprised them about the guidelines.”

We will strictly follow all Covid guidelines issued by the govt and urge the general public to stay at their homes on the festival. We have arranged a live TV telecast of Ravana dahan this year. —Dinesh Marwaha, Member, Shree Ram Leela committee, Daresi

Dinesh Marwaha, member of the Shree Ram Leela committee, Daresi, assured health teams to strictly follow all Covid guidelines and appealed the general public to stay at their homes on the festival as they have arranged the live telecast of Ravana dahan on television.

Dr Bagga said the government was taking so many steps for the welfare of the people. “So, I request all people to stay safe during the festive season by staying at their home and following the guidelines issued by the government,” he said.

State government Guidelines

• The Health Ministry has prohibited festive events in containment zones. Inhabitants have been asked observe festivals inside their homes.
• Wearing masks and maintaining 6-feet distance is must at all times.
• Organisers have to maintain spatial boundaries and prepare detailed site plan that complies with thermal screening, physical distancing, sanitisation etc.
• Systematic planning of events to regulate crowd, especially on ‘auspicious’ days which tend to attract maximum population.
• In processions and rallies, crowds should not exceed permitted limit.
• Respiratory etiquettes mandatory. Strict ban on spitting