GUWAHATI: The standard operating procedures (SOP) for the upcoming Bihu celebrations issued by the state health department has come as a dampener for both organisers and the people of the city.
The SOP with several strict guidelines triggered disappointment among Bihu organisers of the city. The umbrella committee of the 30 Bihu committees — Greater Guwahati Bihu Organisers’ Coordination Committee (GGBOCC) — has expressed their unwillingness to enforce the guidelines, saying it was the responsibility of the health department and the district administration.
“It is not feasible for organisers with limited manpower to carry on thermal scanning of thousands of visitors in an open ground. How will it be possible to make visitors use hand sanitizers at a ground where people come from all directions?” Kailash Sarma, advisor of the coordination committee, asked.
He said it was the responsibility of the health department and the district administration to ensure safety by carrying out thermal scanning and sanitization. The committee urged the health department and the government to reconsider the SOP and give a few relaxations for organizing the Bihu.
Meanwhile, the Kamrup (Metro) district administration — the implementing authority — refrained from commenting on the issue and said the organisers have to take up the issue with the health department.
“The district administration has not issued the SOP. It is the health department, which has issued the SOP for the interest of the public health,” deputy commissioner Biswajit Pegu said.
National Health Mission, Assam, director Lakshmanan S said the health department’s first responsibility is to treat the Covid-19 patients and to vaccinate more people at this point.
“Keeping people’s health in mind, there is no other alternative left than to ensure the safety of people by following Covid-19 protocols by the organisers. Everybody has to follow the guidelines. The health department cannot send its existing manpower to the Bihu programme grounds to carry out sanitization of premises or screening of visitors. Who will discharge the prime duties of the department, if it sends its health workers to the Bihu grounds? Will the organisers take the responsibility if lakhs of positive cases come out for not adhering to the guidelines?” the director said. “Why can’t organisers purchase thermal scanners and sanitizers while they can spend lakhs of rupees for organizing a Bihu function?” Lakshmanan said.
Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said there is no reason to object to the SOP. “At a time when many states have imposed night curfew, we have given permission to organize Bihu. The organisers should appreciate that. We cannot allow to hold functions the entire night. If we do, then Centre will question us and ask us to stop immediately,” the minister added.
The organisers have been directed to conclude events by 11 pm, which many are opposed to. “It is okay to conclude the programmes by 11 pm. We concluded our poll campaigns by 10. So, for the safety of the public, 11 pm is okay,” Himanta said.