Kumbh Mela: Crowds at Kumbh Mela violating the Covid-19 protocol

• Image Credit: Internet

• Apr 12, 2021 | moderator

Haridwar: Sea of devotees gathered to take Shahi snan on the bank of river Ganges in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar for Kumbh Mela, on Monday violating the covid-19 protocol issued by the Health Ministry.

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Kumbh Mela IG Sanjay Gunjyal said, “They are continuously appealing to people to follow Covid appropriate behavior but it is difficult to ensure social distancing at ghats.”

The IG futher stated, a stampede-like situation may arise if they would try to enforce social distancing.

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Held every 12 years, this year's Kumbh Mela is taking place in extraordinary circumstances, at a time when the second wave of the pandemic has gripped the country with over 1.5 lakh COVID-19 cases being reported in the last 24 hours.

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It is to be noted that in the last 24 hours 386 people have tested positive in Haridwar. There are 2056 active COVID-19 cases in the city. It has witnessed a 100 per cent jump in both the daily and active cases in just a week's time. On April 4, the city recorded 173 cases while the active cases stood at 837.

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Moreover, many devotees have been claiming that COVID-19 is not a major concern anymore since the state government has made a negative RT-PCR result mandatory for those visiting Haridwar.

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Along with devotees, scores of seers representing 13 Akhadas will also be taking dip in the Ganges on Monday.