Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chittaranjan Park, also known as CR Park, and its adjoining areas in South Delhi will not host Durga Puja celebrations this year.
MLA and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Monday said that the decision was taken in a meeting at CR Park’s Kali Mandir with various puja committees.
Taking to Twitter, Saurabh Bharadwaj wrote: "Today, around 12 Durga Puja Committees of Chittaranjan Park, GK2, GK1, Alaknanda, Kalkaji met at Kali Mandir, CR Park unanimously decided that Durga Puja Celebrations will be suspended this year due to Corona pandemic."
The Chittaranjan (CR) Park area, the bastion of Delhi’s Bengalis, houses some of the biggest and most visited 'pandals' of Delhi. But owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CR Park area will be unusually quiet this year.
Keeping the COVID-19 pandemic in mind, the Delhi government has issued directions for Durga Puja and Navratri celebrations. The Delhi government has issued directions to all authorities to ensure strict compliance of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to combat COVID-19, issued by it and other concerned authorities.
As per the order, fairs, food-stalls (inside and outside the venues), jhoolas (swings and rides), rallies, exhibitions and processions will not be permitted during festivals till October 31 in Delhi.
"All event organisers will have to obtain requisite permission from District Magistrate (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," the order reads.
The capacity of each event site will be decided on the basis of area and social distancing norms according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) norms.
"In closed space, a maximum of 50 percent of the hall capacity will be allowed, with a ceiling of 200 persons. In open spaces, the capacity should be in keeping the size of the ground or space in the view, and with the strict observance of social distancing norms," it said.
The District Magistrate will appoint a nodal officer for every Durga Puja pandal or Ram Leela event. Also, another officer will be appointed by the DCP of the area, ensuring guidelines are adhered to.
