Jamshedpur, March 22: In the wake of the rise in cases of Covid-19 infection administration is working on plans to implement restrictions on Holi festivities. Officials said that Holi Milans are likely to be allowed only for limited people this time around. An official said that government may issue guidelines for Holi celebrations on the March 25.
The official said that the state was already following the guidelines set by the Centre as of now, adding that a prohibition on processions during festivals was already enforced as per the Centre’s guidelines.
Holi Milans are special gatherings organised during Holi for people to meet each other and celebrate the festival. Some Holi Milan events also include cocktails and lunch. Experts fear that Holi festivities may trigger a spike in cases as the festival of colours cannot be celebrated while maintaining social distancing.
Meanwhile the city police department is working hard in keeping a stringent vigilance on eve-teasers during Holi, as incidents of eve-teasing and passing lewd comments on girls and women are reported the most during this season. Cops in plainclothes have been deployed for a watchful eye on crowds especially youths, who indulge in eve-teasing.
“We are also carrying search operations at different hotels and lodges to nab suspected people. Moreover extra vigil is also being kept at the border areas of the district,” said SSP M Tamil Vanan. He said that the police control room is coordinating with different police stations to ensure peace and harmony.
The district administration has banned the sale of liquor during the Holi festival to ensure peaceful celebrations. When contacted an official said: “We have ordered liquor shops and bars to remain close on March 29. Moreover transportation of liquor too has been banned during this period. The administration has made elaborate arrangements to ensure peace during Holi”.
He went on to add that the move which will stop people from driving while consuming alcohol, consumption of liquor in public, buying and even transporting liquor from one place to another has been banned.