Ahead of festivals, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Sunday issued certain guidelines in view of Covid-19, first — fairs/melas/food stalls (inside and outside the venue) jhoolas/
rallies/exhibitions /processions will not be permitted during festivals till October 31, 2020.
As Navratras/Devi Punjan is approaching, the area District Magistrate shall appoint an officer of suitable seniority as Nodal Officer for each site and venue of Ramlila and Pooja Pandas etc.
As per the DDMA guidelines aligned with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), all event organisers will have to obtain requisite permission from DM concerned for organising festival events, well in advance , besides obtaining permission from all other authorities concerned as per applicable laws/rules and practice in vogue.
As per the order, in continuation, in a closed space, a maximum of 50 per cent of the hall capacity will be allowed, with a ceiling of 200 persons while in open space, keeping the size of the ground/space in view but with strict observance of social distancing norms.
The DDMA notification for festivals signed by Chief Secretary Vijay Dev further read, “Each such permission (which is applied to DM concerned) shall be jointly granted by DM and District DCP concerned on the basis of joint inspection report of area executive magistrate area SHO and licensing Inspector of MCD which shall clearly certify that the festival celebrations site is suitable for the conduct of the event and meets all the stipulations laid down in this order.”
While DMs shall have to make arrangements of videography to ensure implementation of strict Covid-19 guidelines, at all events, related to festivals, no person will be allowed in standing or squatting position only sitting on chairs with social distancing norms shall be allowed. “Only such seating capacity would be ensured that permits compliance of Covid - appropriate behaviour,” the order read.