Serious Decision With Regard To Allowing United Kingdom Nationals Into State Will Be Taken: State Govt. Tells Uttarakhand HC

The State Government assured the Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravi Malimath & Justice Alok Kumar Verma that necessary protocol would be observed by the State on the days of the high influx of the tourists on New Year Eve.

Importantly, the State stated before the Bench that it would take a very serious decision with regard to allowing the national from the United Kingdom into the State of Uttarakhand as well as to deal with the tourists from the United Kingdom who are already in Uttarakhand.

State's submission regarding Kumbh Mela 2021

The affidavits filed by the Secretary, Health, the Secretary, Urban Development and Secretary, Disaster Management narrating various steps taken for efficient and safe conduct of the Kumbh Mela,2021 was placed before the Bench.

The affidavits mentioned that a new SOP is being formulated which would guide in the day to day functioning of various volunteers and other agencies involved in controlling the crowds coming to the Kumbh.

Further, the DMC at Haridwar submitted the report containing various suggestions. The chief standing counsel submitted that the suggestions would be taken into account and the needful would be done.

He further assured the Court that every effort was being made by the State to ensure that every pilgrim that attends the Kumbh would be safely taken care of.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on 06^th January 2021 to consider further progress in the matter.

Controlling Tourists In The Weekends And On Other Holidays

The Court considered the affidavits of the DMC of Dehradun and Mussoorie. The suggestions given are enumerated as under:-

• Political activity must be restricted.
• Strict compliance regarding gathering of people in events must be followed.
• Heavy penalties are being imposed at most of the public places, etc.

The Chief Standing Counsel submitted that the suggestions made by the committee would be looked into seriously and necessary action would be taken and that the government has already taken necessary steps.

It was also submitted that thermal screening is being done regularly and even the amount of penalties has been increased.

Suggestions given by DMC of Nainital

• Adequate police force should be deployed at the Tibbetan Market and Pant Park, Nainital.
• Action should be initiated against shop keepers for violating COVID19 guidelines.
• The board at Nainital displaying "I Love Nainital" should be removed or covered till the pandemic is over because tourists gather there in huge numbers for taking photographs and consequently, social distancing is difficult to be maintained.
• Closure on New Year Eve

To this, the Chief Standing Counsel stated that various efforts have been made to control the COVID-19 situation as well as to help the public at large.

Lastly, it was submitted that all necessary measures, such as extra police force, etc. would all be put into force to ensure that no harm be caused to any of the people in Uttarakhand.

The matter has now been posted for 24^th February 2021 to consider the subsequent reports to be prepared by the D.M.Cs

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