Ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) on Monday issued the guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and avoid pollution during the festival.
CCP has strictly prohibited the sale and purchase of Plaster of Paris idols due to damage caused to the environment and has permitted only two people with one vehicle to be allowed for packing up for idols from the Chitrashalla.
All Chitrashalla have to maintain social distancing arrangements outside the vending point and no special stalls will be erected anywhere in Panaji for the sale of firecrackers and fireworks except those permitted by the corporation.
During the celebration, public gatherings for Sarvajanik Artis will be limited to 50 per cent capacity and no form of celebration will be allowed in any containment zones.
For immersion, CCP has issued a set of guidelines for the citizens: No flowers, garlands or nirmlaya will be allowed to immerse in the water. Only 2-3 members of each household will be allowed for immersion. No fireworks will be allowed at the immersion spot. No procession will be allowed while bringing the idols to the immersion points and lastly, citizens are advised to undertake immersion between 5 pm to 10 pm.
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