MAPUSA
With the State witnessing a spike in Covid-19 cases, the Deputy Collector of Bardez has directed the police to maintain a strict watch and stop any kind of commercial Holi parties and festivals on March 29 in Bardez.
Deputy Collector of Bardez, Kapil Phadte has directed the police to keep strict vigil and stop the commercial Holi parties and festivals on March 29 in order to contain the spread of pandemic.
“This office has not granted any permission to any Holi party or Holi festival on March 29 in view of the rise in Covid-19 cases,” Phadte said in a memorandum issued to Sub Divisional Police Officers of Mapusa and Porvorim.
Referring to the order issued by Department of Public Health banning public celebrations and gatherings during the upcoming festivals of Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Navrati etc, the Deputy Collector has directed the police to take necessary action against the violators.
Several clubs and hotels along the entire North Goa coastal belt have arranged Holi parties during the weekend which is expected to be attended by a host of Indian tourists.
Most of these Indian tourists book tickets for the events through online platforms such as BookMyShow and pay a hefty sum as entry fee.
It’s party time along the coast
MAPUSA: Section 144 or not, it was party time along the coastal belt in North Goa.
From Candolim to Anjuna, the clubs and hotels witnessed packed crowds with revellers dancing to glory to booming music and ignoring all Covid norms.
Live videos of parties happening at W Hotel in Vagator and Pinakin Beach Café right on Vagator beach were doing the rounds on social media.
As usual, the police along the coast remained silent spectators to the ongoing parties and more importantly loud music.
“The SOPs are only meant for the man on the street. Who will implement the Covid norms in these clubs and hotels? These parties have full political patronage,” said Desmond Alvares, a resident of Assagao.
