Keypoints:
- Instead of cultural programs Maharashtra government asks people to organise blood donation and cleanliness campaigns.
- Government has appealed the people to not burst firecrackers as they damage the environment and increases air pollution.
On the occasion of Diwali, the Maharashtra government has asked people to organise blood donation camps and cleanliness camps instead of organising cultural programs.
With Diwali being just a few days away, the preparations are in full swing. However, in this year, the celebrations will be different due to the pandemic situation and restrictions, considering the cruciality of the situation, Maharashtra government has announced guidelines in wake of the festivities.
According to the Home Department of the Maharashtra Government, people are advised to worship in their homes as the temples are not opened yet. With the preparations and the excitement, people are adviced not to rush into public places and also they are adviced to celebrate the festival with simplicity. People who step outside the houses are advised to put on their masks and sanitise themselves regularly.
Also, the government has appealed the people not to burst firecrackers since they harm the environment and causes air pollution. Since Diwali is the festival of lights, the government has asked people to light earthern lamps instead of firecrackers to save the environment.
Keeping the COVID-19 crisis in check, no public programs are allowed to be organised. The government urges people to give their online participation in such programs.
In the guidelines, the government has focused that the COVID 19 guidelines should be followed strictly.
On Thursday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced that it will ban bursting all firecrackers at the public places during the Diwali celebrations.
The Municipal Commissioner Suresh Kakani says that any violators shall be penalised and the SOPs in this regard would be issued shortly.
In view of the situation, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government has issued guidelines on preventive measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus during the Diwali celebrations and urged citizens to avoid bursting crackers to curb noise and air pollution.
Amidst the outbreak of the coronavirus, the state government has asked the people to celebrate Diwali in a simplistic manner.
