Play Holi At Home Not On Roads, Appeals Commissionerate Police

Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate Police on Sunday warned of stern action against persons violating Covid-19 norms issued by Odisha government and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) during Holi celebrations tomorrow.

Bhubaneswar DCP Umashankar Dash said that already Holi celebrations on roads and congregations at other public places have been restricted by the State government and BMC in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We appeal residents of Bhubaneswar to strictly abide by the guidelines issued by the State government and BMC. People should play Holi with family members at home and not outside,” said Dash.

The DCP informed that the Commissionerate Police has made elaborate security arrangements for Holi to see that all the guidelines are religiously followed.

Dash said that around 15 platoons of police force will be deployed at crowded places, markets, bathing ghats and streets tomorrow.

“Apart from this, striking force, 20 PCR vans will also be deployed. Processions, public functions have been completely restricted. We hope that residents will cooperate with us,” Dash added.

Not only Holi and Dola Purnima, the State government has also clamped restrictions on any kind of congregation for celebration during the upcoming festivals like Good Friday, Easter, Pana Sankranti, Jhamu Jatra, Danda Jatra and Sriram Navami and associated religious and cultural congregations.

Considering local conditions, Collectors and Municipal Commissioners may impose appropriate restrictions on entry of devotees into churches , temples, religious places, places of worship and in the celebrations in churches, temples, religious places and places of worship, read the notification issued by Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)