Indian Medical Association's Uttarakhand chapter has written to the Chief Minister requesting him to learn from the "previous failure" and not allow Kanwar Yatra in the interest of the state and the whole country
This picture has been used for representational purpose. Pic/AFP
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has cknowledged the cultural significance of Kanwar Yatra but reiterated that his government's priority remains saving lives amid the coronavirus pandemic. "Kanwar is part of the Sanatan culture but saving lives is paramount. Government's focus is to ensure that Covid-19 does not spread," Dhami said addressing a meeting of all morchas (wings) of the state BJP.
ADVERTISEMENT
It is still uncertain whether or not the Kanwar Yatra will be held this year with the third wave of the coronavirus knocking at the country's doors. Even the Indian Medical Association's Uttarakhand chapter has written to the Chief Minister requesting him to learn from the "previous failure" and not allow Kanwar Yatra in the interest of the state and the whole country.
People had to pay a heavy price for going off guard after the first wave which had led to a stronger and more fatal second wave, IMA Uttarakhand Secretary Amit Khanna said in a letter to Dhami. The Haridwar Kumbh held in April had led to a surge in Covid-19 cases. Dhami, who met central leaders in Delhi including the Prime Minister to discuss a range of issues, has been saying repeatedly that saving human lives is important.
However, a categorical statement from him on whether or not the Kanwar Yatra will be held this year is still awaited. The fortnight-long yatra which begins with the onset of the month of Shravan around July 25 and goes on till the first week of August sees crores of Kanwariyas from neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi gathering in Haridwar to collect the holy waters of the Ganga.
Also Read: IMA Uttarakhand chapter urges CM not to allow Kanwar Yatra
Dhami also assured his party that the state government will finish all development work taken up within the stipulated time frame and an action plan for this is ready. The monsoon may cause some interruptions in the work but by August 15 all government orders (GOs) will be out, he said. State BJP president Madan Kaushik asked all office bearers of the morchas to stay in their areas or blocks for at least 10 days every month. Praising all morchas for their performance during both waves of Covid-19, he said they had done a commendable job by holding blood donation camps, distributing masks, sanitisers and oxygen cylinders among people, getting them vaccinated and helping them get hospital beds.
Asking them to gear up for the assembly polls scheduled to be held early next year, Kaushik said the party members had to take the message of young leadership and the slogan of securing 60 plus seats to the people of the state.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
