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UP government plans Diwali melas amid COVID-19 concerns


UP government plans Diwali melas amid COVID-19 concerns
UP government plans Diwali melas amid COVID-19 concerns

20 Oct 2021: UP government plans Diwali melas amid COVID-19 concerns

Despite concerns about a COVID-19 threat during the festive season, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to hold week-long Diwali melas in all cities across the state. The central government has repeatedly warned against any laxity in following COVID-19 protocols during the festive season, anticipating a greater degree of social mixing. Notably, these fairs will be held from October 28 to November 4.


Fair: What do we know about these melas?

These fairs will have activities like magic shows, dramas, puppet dances, food stalls, performances, etc., a UP government notification accessed by CNN-News18 reportedly stated. LED screens will display the achievements of the Yogi Adityanath government over the last four-and-a-half years. UP Urban Development Minister Ashutosh Tandon has reportedly directed that these fairs be made "attractive with both entertainment and cultural programs" and laser shows.


Other details: What else will these fairs feature?

Directions have been issued to arrange rides and swings for children, food stalls, and cut-outs of "great leaders" for selfie kiosks. The UP government contended that the fairs would provide a platform to street hawkers, thus boosting their income. Hence, a dedicated help desk would be set up at the fairs for beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi Scheme to empower street vendors.


Fact: How is the UP government organizing these fairs?

Each city will have a committee comprising the district police chief and the chief medical officer, among other officials, to organize these fairs. The committees were to identify venues by October 17 and are scheduled to complete all arrangements by October 22.


Centre: 'Don't make coronavirus happy'

Contrarily, the Centre has asked the public to behave responsibly during the festival season and avoid gatherings. Dr. VK Paul, chief of India's COVID-19 task force, told CNN-News18, "Crowds are bad, large gatherings are bad... The virus loves these things. Please don't make the virus happy by creating these situations and therefore don't lower your guard. Let's do this for the next 100 days..."


COVID-19: Melas to follow COVID-19 protocol: UP government

Defending the fairs, the UP government said it has directed "all arrangements to be made at the Diwali Mela venues regarding COVID-19 safety protocol." All visitors at these fairs will be instructed to wear face masks and adequate hand sanitizers will be available at the venues, it said. However, there is no clarity on how physical distancing would be ensured.


COVID-19: How is the state handling COVID-19?

No new COVID-19 cases were reported from 71 UP districts on Tuesday. Only 12 new cases were reported from four districts. The state's daily COVID-19 tally has been under 50 for over two consecutive months. At 0.01%, the state also has the lowest daily COVID-19 test positivity rate. The recovery rate was recorded at 98.9%.


The news article, UP government plans Diwali melas amid COVID-19 concerns appeared first on NewsBytes.

Also see: COVID-19: Government issues advisory on celebrating the festive season
UP cancels Kanwar Yatra amid fears of COVID-19 third wave
Breakdown of governance in UP: Ex-civil servants write open letter
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