Jamshedpur: Preventive measures for Durga Puja in place

Jamshedpur, Oct 2: Following release of guidelines for Durga Puja,�the district health department is working on a strategy for preventive measures during the mega 10-day long festival. With the threat of a second wave of COVID-19 looming large and cases rising every day, the department has focussed on conducting more tests and spreading awareness.�The Government has ordered limited gathering and closed doors rituals. Idols will be only 4 feet tall. There would be no distribution of Bhog or fairs would be organised.

The Jharkhand government on Thursday while announcing that Durga Puja will be permitted this year only at homes, temples and small pandals without public participation.

The government limited the height of idols at Durga Puja pandals to 4 feet, and said that no lighting or extravagant decorations would be allowed, as per the order.

It said that the public will not be allowed to visit or participate in the community puja pandals, which should be small in size.

Separate guidelines will be issued for performing the rituals, it added.

Further, processions for immersing idols have also been prohibited.

No relaxations were also given on the burning of Ravana effigies on Dussehra. 

An official said that the department has focussed on conducting more tests. The focus is on such areas where positive cases have been found.  Though the apex body of Durga Puja committees in the city, Jamshedpur Durga Puja Kendriya Samity (JDPKS) has plans to make the festival a low key affair, the department is in no mood to take risk and has started planning before to ensure safety of the people. In view of the coronavirus pandemic, the organisers have decided to celebrate a toned down festival scheduled from October 22 to 26 this year but still the department will launch a drive to ensure people remain indoors.

�The rush during Durga Puja, scheduled last week of October is also a major concern. We want people not to assemble in groups. They must wear masks and use sanitizers and follow social distancing norms,� said another official. He said that if this mega festival passes off safely, COVID-19 situation will be under control. �

He noted that as there are chances of further increase in COVID-19 cases due to public or religious gathering, the administration will only allow the Puja Committees to perform Durga Puja without decorations. At no cost, public congregations will be allowed at the puja pandals.

Dr Pall also said that the department has launched nine vans to visit containment zones and detect cases quickly. Six static collection centres have also come up.

Another official said the administration had previously directed random tests for some sections of society on priority. Now the plan is to target those who are regular in touch with the crowd. The drive was carried through Baharagora, Chakulia, Dhalbhumgarh, Dumaria, Ghatshila, Jugsalai, Musaboni, Patmada, Potka and urban areas.

He went on to add that the administration has decided to test everyone in the district to prevent community spread of the disease. More tests would only help the administration to prevent further spread of the disease. He added it was the responsibility of the government as well as individuals to contain the spread of COVID19.