Days ahead of Holi festivities, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday, March 23, released guidelines for the celebration amid an alarming surge in COVID-19 cases in Mumbai.
The civic body has announced a ban on the Holi celebrations at public or private spaces this year.
The circular, issued by BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, said that considering the surge in cases and in view to avoid any crowding in the city, 'Holi Dahan' or the burning of Holi fire on March 28 and 'Rangpanchmi' celebrations on March 29 will not be permitted.
Let’s Celebrate After The Virus Has Been Chased!
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) March 23, 2021
All private/public celebration of Holika Dahan & Rang Panchami has been prohibited to ensure #COVIDー19 doesn’t play a spoilsport.
We request Mumbaikars to cooperate. Strict action will be taken against offenders.#MiJababdar pic.twitter.com/I10KX7i9Pm
It also stated that action will be taken against those who violate the order under the Epidemic Disease Act of 1897 and Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Moreover, the Palghar district administration has banned Holi celebrations in public places, hotels and resorts. Public places like beaches and roads are crowded during the celebrations every year. Hotels and resorts are also booked for private parties during Holi.
According to officials, those violating the orders will be booked under the Disaster Management Act, Maharashtra COVID-19 Regulations and section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC.
Meanwhile, Mumbai city reported 3,514 new cases and eight deaths on March 23, taking its cumulative caseload to 3,69,451 and death toll to 11,604. The Mumbai division which includes surrounding regions too reported 6,870 new cases.
With rising coronavirus cases in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led government in Maharashtra may impose lockdown-like restrictions in Mumbai and some other cities if the number of daily cases in Maharashtra remains in the range of 25,000 to 30,000 for the next few days.
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