Will prepare SOP on opening religious places after Diwali: CM Thackeray

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday hinted that locations of worship might be reopened within the coming days. Thackeray stated that he was criticised for not reopening temples and different locations of worship, however these taking a potshot at him wouldn’t share the blame, if the coronavirus illness (Covid-19) contagion spun uncontrolled.

The CM, in his 33-minute deal with to the state, which was broadcast by way of social media, stated Maharashtra’s Covid-19 circumstances had been on the wane.However, he cautioned that any type of complacency may result in one other wave.

He stated that the state authorities would put together a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to reopen locations of worship in Maharashtra after Diwali (November 14).

Several political events and spiritual our bodies have been interesting to the state authorities to reopen the locations of worship. However, the state authorities has been cautious since senior residents will predominantly frequent the locations of worship and will turn into tremendous spreaders.

“We will prepare a SOP after Diwali. Mostly senior citizens such as our parents and grandparents visit all places of worship. Masks will be compulsory in all places of worship. I am intentionally delaying reopening of all places of worship. I am aware that I am being criticised for my decision. But if there is a bigger spread of Covid-19 cases, those criticising me will not take the responsibility,” he added.

Thackeray additionally appealed to the general public to have fun a firecracker-free Diwali as air pollution and smoke would irritate the well being situation of those that undergo from lung illnesses.

The CM stated that the subsequent 20 days can be essential within the battle towards Covid-19. He urged the general public to keep up social distancing, keep away from crowding, use masks in a bid to stop one other surge in Covid-19 circumstances within the state.

“The upcoming Diwali and 15 days after the festival is a big test for us. European countries, including France, have enforced lockdown restrictions again. It will be tough, if we have to adopt similar measures. Many people are still not wearing masks. Such indiscipline will not be tolerated. The public will be fined for non-compliance. An estimate says a Covid-19 patient without a mask can infect up to 400 people,” he stated.

The challenge to ban firecrackers was mentioned within the state cupboard assembly on Thursday. However, a call to impose a ban is but to be taken.

State minister for well being and household welfare Rajesh Tope stated the federal government may take a name on limiting using firecrackers.

Sena ministers reportedly advised selling environment-friendly crackers as a substitute of asserting a blanket ban.

Thackeray stated that as a substitute of imposing a ban on firecrackers, he would need the general public to voluntarily restrain from bursting them.

“Elsewhere in the country, especially in Delhi, there has been a spike in Covid-19 cases. Why is it increasing? It is said it’s due to pollution. I would like to appeal to you not to burst crackers this Diwali. We must maintain self-discipline like we have been doing in our fight against the viral outbreak. A vaccine is yet to be launched. Pollution causes Covid-19 cases to increase. Can we avoid firecrackers? Should we ban it? …There is so much pollution and smoke. What we have achieved [in controlling Covid-19] will be lost in just four days of smoke. I request you not to burst fire crackers in public places and avoid them altogether,” he stated.

The CM additionally launched an assault on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he stated was the latter’s bid to derail a Metro Rail venture that might profit Mumbaikars.

The BJP has been accusing the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) authorities, comprising coalition companions akin to CM Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress, for making an attempt to construct a Metro Rail automotive depot at Kanjurmarg that may be a salt pan.

Thackeray, in a veiled assault on the BJP, stated that the state has attracted proposed investments of over Rs 5,000 million, regardless of a marketing campaign to defame the MVA authorities.

The plot for the Metro Rail automotive depot in Kanjurmarg has turn into the newest flashpoint between the Centre and Maharashtra authorities. The Centre has claimed that the plot, the place the Metro Rail automotive shed is proposed, belongs to it and is a salt pan.

“Some people said that the plot is a salt pan. But they don’t understand that they are trying to derail the project meant for Mumbaikars,” he stated.

He hit out on the MVA authorities’s detractors and stated it didn’t work with its “eyes shut”.

“During the last few months, while we were battling the Covid-19 in Maharashtra, those who have a grudge against us launched a campaign to defame the state. [They said] Maharashtra’s law and order has collapsed. It is a safe haven for drug addicts. However, we overcame these trenchant criticisms and signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 1,700 million in June. Last week, we signed MoUs worth Rs 3,500 million. Several companies, both Indian and multinationals, will invest in Maharashtra. I was criticised for not stepping out of the home. However, I got all the investments for the state while sitting at home. Maharashtra’s economy is gaining momentum, despite the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.

Thackeray stated that the Covid-19 circumstances in Mumbai, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune, and so on had been on the wane, because of the state authorities’s “My Family, My Responsibility” marketing campaign. “Several people were criticising us for the pandemic situation was getting out of control. But our determination, self-confidence and discipline has helped flatten the Covid-19 curve,” he stated.