Ranchi: Notwithstanding the protests by political parties, devotees and revellers,
health experts in the state on Monday supported the state government in its decision to put a complete ban on offering arghyas in waterbodies for the Chhat Puja.
The state health department also defended the government’s move saying the rules are aimed at safeguarding public health and to keep the Covid-19 virus at bay.
Talking to TOI, state health secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni said, “The state government’s decision to ban Chhath Puja rituals at rivers, ponds, dams, lakes and other waterbodies has been taken after considering all aspects of the pandemic.”
He further said, “We all know that use of masks, regular hand wash and social distancing are key to prevent the spread of the virus but it will be very difficult to enforce these measures at the festival. Public bathing is an integral part of the rituals with fixed timing for arghyas in the mornings and evenings. When the devotees take a dip, it would not be possible for them to wear masks.”
Kulkarni added, “Even if a single infected person enters a waterbody, other devotees will be at extreme risk and could lead to a spurt in newly infected cases within a short span.”
Public health experts and doctors cautioned that if the government makes any amends in the guidelines, it will prove catastrophic for state and another wave of coronavirus is highly likely.
Public health expert and professor of community medicine at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims), Dr Devesh Kumar said, “I have always advocated for stringent steps during festivities. The guidelines for Chhat Puja are right and will help avoid the second and immediate wave of infection. We are upbeat after the Durga Puja as the new cases were low because of the proper implementation of the guidelines. Now, the Chhath Puja guidelines are a priority as enforcing social distancing on the occasion would be next to impossible.”
Dr Kumar said, “The onset of winter will also increase the chances of infection and I strongly advise people to celebrate the festival within the confines of their homes for this year so that we can celebrate it together next year.”
Head of Rims microbiology department, Dr Manoj Kumar, too, appreciated the government order and said, “We have seen a decline in the number of fresh infections even as several regions within the county and outside are experiencing a spike.”
Dr Manoj, who conducts RT-PCR tests for Covid-19, also said, “I would urge people to celebrate the festivities within their homes as no one has understood this virus for certain so far and going for public bathing would be catastrophic.”