Threat Of Coronavirus Outbreak Looms But UP Govt To Go Ahead With Mega Ram Navami In Ayodhya
Across India and the world, people are being advised to practice social distancing and avoid going to mass gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
The same is applicable in Uttar Pradesh too, where all educational institutions, cinemas, multiplexes and tourist places in the state have been shut till April 2 as a precautionary measure.
But the same is not applicable for the Ram Navami Mela in Ayodhya.
The mela, which would attract lakhs of pilgrims from across the country will be held from March 25 to April 2 despite the threat of the coronavirus.
According to reports, the Yogi Adityanath-led UP government has given the district administration the go-ahead for the mega event despite the concerns raised by some officials.
Chief Medical Officer of Ayodhya Ghanshyam Singh had advised that the Ram Navami mela be cancelled to save the public from coronavirus.
Dr. Vikasendu Agrawal, nodal officer of coronavirus, said mass gatherings are impossible and risky once the Epidemic Act is invoked.
"We have closed down shopping malls, cinema halls, swimming pools, gyms and schools in the state. It is very difficult to ensure that devotees wear masks or maintain a distance of 1.5 m from each other. It's an impossible proposition," he said, adding he will talk to senior state government officials.
"We will review the situation on March 22 and if the situation remains the same then I would suggest the government to avoid the gathering," he added.
District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha said the Uttar Pradesh government has notified the Epidemic Act and the district administration is being empowered to take all steps to stop coronavirus.
"All orders are being issued according to the act and violation of the act will be punishable," said.
Jha said the administration has printed 50,000 posters highlighting precautions against coronavirus and these are being posted at public places.
He said the district administration is all prepared for the Ram Navami celebrations according to practice and will adopt all precautionary measures.
Though the Mela is an annual affair that attracts millions from across the country, this time it is different as it is the first Ram Navami since the historic SC verdict on Ayodhya dispute, which cleared the way for the construction of the Ram Temple in the site where Hindus believe Lord Ram was born.
The construction of the?temple?as per the design prepared by architect Sompura a renowned architect who had to prepare the design in 1989 is likely to begin on Ram Navami.
Playing down the concerns, Ayodhya MLA Ved Gupta said, "We can't stop the devotees. They would be advised to wear masks and maintain a distance while conducting rituals."
