Sofi Anayat KNS
Baramulla, September 30(KNS): Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr G N Itoo today chaired a meeting of various religious and other representatives to discuss measures and modalities with regard to the opening of shrines for the public. All shrines in the district were closed as a precautionary measure to minimize the spread of COVID-19 infection.
On the occasion, a comprehensive discussion on the subject was held during which representatives of various Auqaf committees and other religious bodies presented their feedbacks and suggestions. The DC sought the cooperation of various stakeholders in opening the shrines viz-a-viz averting the risk of COVID-19 infection.
Meanwhile, the DC convened a press briefing in order to inform about various measures that shall be taken in this regard.
DC was flanked by SSP Baramulla Abdul Quyoom, ADC Baramulla, ADC Sopore, SDMs and other concerned officers.
While informing that administration has decided to open all shrines in the district from October 01, DC said that strict adherence of requisite SOPs and guidelines are vital for visiting these shrines. He said that there are some large shrines of all faiths in Baramulla district so the implementation of health advisories become utmost important for averting any kind of exigency.
Dr Itoo informed that a calendar has been framed by the authorities wherein people from Kupwara and Bandipora districts shall be allowed to visit any shrine on Monday and Tuesday. “Similarly on Wednesday and Thursday, people belonging to Srinagar and Ganderbal districts shall be allowed to visit these shrines where as on Friday and Saturday, the people of Baramulla and Budgam can visit these shrines”, the DC said. However, people belonging to the remaining districts shall be allowed to visit on Sunday. DC said that the initiative was taken in order to avoid any kind of large gathering so that social distancing is maintained.
Moreover, DC said that senior citizens having age above 60 years and children below 10 years shall not be allowed to visit any shrine. He also said that a proper medical screening shall be done at these shrines to every visiting person.
Appealing the people to cooperate with the administration, DC said that any kind of laxity won’t be tolerated and strict action shall be taken against the violators. He also informed that past few days, about 35 vehicles were seized for not following the related SOPs and guidelines.(KNS)