Day Before Holi: Commissionerate Police Appeals To Follow COVID-19 Norms

Bhubaneswar: Considering the spike in COVID-19 positive cases in Bhubaneswar, the Commissionerate Police on Sunday appealed to the people of the city to celebrate Holi on Monday by following the government guidelines to prevent stern action.

Bhubaneswar DCP Umashankar Dash told the media that the state government and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) have already issued the guidelines for Holi which prohibit public celebration including on the roads.

Pointing out that there is no curb on the celebrating the festival, he said the people must keep it confined to their homes and not do it at public places.

In an official order on March 19, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) had stated that keeping the sentiment of the people regarding the festival, they may celebrate with family members in their houses only, “not in any public places including public roads.”

Also Read: COVID Noose Tightens: No Public Holi Celebration In Odisha

Next day, the BMC issued an order capping the congregation of chariots at 10 during ‘Dola Melana’ at any public ground in the city limits. Stating that there is no restriction on people celebrating Holi, it said any kind of function on the occasion that will invite public gathering is prohibited.

Also Read: COVID-19 Shadow On Holi In Bhubaneswar: BMC Allows Maximum 10 Chariots During ‘Dola Melana’

It may be pointed out that Bhubaneswar has reported 50 COVID-19 positive cases for the second consecutive day on Sunday

Also Read: Daily COVID-19 Positive Cases Cross 50 In Bhubaneswar