Chhath Puja 2020: Thane civic body issues social distancing norms

A day after the Maharashtra government issued guidelines to celebrate Chhath Puja amidst the ongoing pandemic, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has released the social distancing norms to be followed during Puja.

Keeping in view of the situation, the north Indian community has agreed to adhere to these rules and decided to tone down the festivities this year.

The corporation stated that only one person can accompany women performing the puja in the artificial lake premise. Barricades will be installed to maintain social-distancing at the lakes and surroundings, while antigen testing vans will be stationed to check those with symptoms. They also ensured that the guidelines given by the state will have to be followed.

Moreover, hoardings and banners spreading awareness regarding overcrowding, wearing masks and using sanitizers have been put up.

The arrangements for the puja are set up at seven artificial lakes in the city while an additional lake at Upvan, which is one of the popular lakes, is also set up. The other popular lakes in Thane for performing the puja are Kolshet and Railadevi. The TMC provides special arrangements and also cleans the lakes for the convenience of the devotees.

Earlier, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had asked the state to celebrate festivals in a simple manner, and following the directives, the State Home Department has drafted the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which people will have to follow strictly.

 This move by the state government came across a day after the BMC denied permission for Chhath Puja celebrations near city beaches and natural bodies citing the possible surge in cases.

Read more: Chhath Puja 2020: BMC says no to Puja on beaches, riverbanks and ponds

In addition to that, a set of new guidelines were announced by the Home Minister Anil Deshmukh who has appealed that this year's Chhath Puja should be celebrated in a low-key manner to ensure everyone's safety amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

Also Read: Maharashtra Government issues guidelines for Chhath Puja celebrations