Violation of norms will invite fresh curbs: Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister urges people to follow COVID-19 rules during Ganesh Chaturthi

If COVID-19 norms are violated during Ganesh Chaturthi, then the Maharashtra government will immediately impose fresh restrictions, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said on Friday. He added that the government had no plans on imposing curbs ahead of the festival. Mr. Pawar, who is also the Guardian Minister of Pune, expressed concern over people letting their guard down in the district’s rural areas, which has been reporting 550 to 600 cases daily. The 10-day festival will begin on September 10 and is likely to remain a muted affair. “While we have discussed imposing restrictions, no such measure will be taken as the big pandals have assured us that celebrations will be muted. Pune has a tradition of people watching spectacles late into night. In case we find a lot of overcrowding, then based on the first day’s estimate, we will take stern measures on the second day itself. I urge citizens not to bring this situation on themselves,” he said.