HP govt issues covid restrictions during “Shrawan Ashtmi Navratras”

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HP govt issues covid restrictions during “Shrawan Ashtmi Navratras”

Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in

The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) has issued guidelines for the visitors and imposed certain restrictions in view of the concern regarding the third wave of COVID-19 during the “Shrawan Ashtmi Navratras” which are starting from 9th August, 2021 to 17th August, 2021.

The orders read that “during the “Shrawan Ashtmi Navratras there is a possibility that thousands of pilgrims will visit/assemble at various temples/religious shrines in Himachal Pradesh which may lead to huge gatherings. Therefore, the District Administration has issued an advisory for the people of the state who intend to visit Himachal Pradesh during the “Shrawan Ashtmi Navratras”, which are starting from 9th August, 2021 to 17th August, 2021.

Himachal Pradesh Government has issued the instructions for the pilgrims/visitors during the “Sharavan Ashtmi Navratras”. Persons intending to visit various temples/shrines during the aforesaid period shall be allowed to enter the State/District borders only if they possess COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (both doses) or RT-PCR negative (-ve) report issued not older than 72 hours and from authorized labs.

Apart from this “No Mask-No Darshan ” policy would be implemented strictly during this period. Social distancing shall be maintained by sensitizing, educating and legally enforcing the same. There would be thermal screening at the entrance of religious places/temples and hand sanitizing/hand-washing.

Any person violating these measures and not following Covid appropriate behaviour, will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provision of Section 51-60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides entailing legal action under Section 188 of the IPC, and other legal provisions as applicable.

HP govt issues covid restrictions during “Shrawan Ashtmi Navratras”. Last year due to Corona, Shravan Ashtami Navratri and Sharad Navratri could not be organized. The temples were closed due to Covid-19. Due to Covid restrictions, devotees were unable to come from other states. But this year the state govt allows the entry in temples, only under the protocol.