Torestrict the spread of the coronavirus in its jurisdiction, the Corporation ofthe City of Panaji (CCP) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to befollowed during the ensuing Diwali festival. Accordingly, there will be noNarkasur processions in the city. The height of the Narkasur effigy has beenrestricted to 8 feet. Fireworks at the site of Narkasur installation have beentotally banned. Further, playing loud music, organising cultural programmes,competitions will not be allowed to avoid over-crowding at such spots. Othermajor cities and towns would do well to follow suit and follow this SOPstrictly during the festival. However, as far as the villages are concerned, Idoubt whether the village panchayats would support this move. In case suchguidelines are overlooked, there is every possibility of the coronavirusspreading at the respective jurisdictions thereby endangering human lives.Under such circumstances, the Directorate of Panchayats as a competentauthority should take a serious note of this important matter and issue acircular to all VPs in the state thereby requesting them to come out with SOPsduring the festival. VPs that neglect this serious matter should be taken totask. Human lives being precious, appropriate precautionary measures need to beinitiated so that the deadly virus is kept at bay. Let us hope that the DoPwould issue the much-needed circular on a priority basis without any further delay.
