The Telangana High Court today instructed the state government to take all the measures necessary to clamp down on mass gatherings during the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, and asked that a report on the steps being taken to prevent a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic be submitted.
The court told the government and the officials concerned to submit their reports while dealing with a case on the state's preparedness to handle a possible third wave. It also strongly urged the government to take "preventive measures" against and spread awareness about the pandemic.
"Prepare a roadmap like other states in the nation already have on the third wave. It is critical to ensure that no mass gatherings are permitted during any upcoming festivals," the HC reiterated.
The hearing was then adjourned till September 8.
This year, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will commence on September 10 and will conclude with the ceremonial idol immersion on September 19.
With experts warning the nation about the occurrence of a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, various festival committees in the state are already busy taking steps to ensure that the festivities are conducted in a
"Covid appropriate" way.
Last month, Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi General Secretary Bhagawanth Rao had said that the body would take all the precautions required to conduct the celebrations in a safe manner.