Ashada Bonalu over, Hyderabad and Secunderabad officials now wary of 3rd wave of Covid-19

HYDERABAD: While the annual Ashada Bonalu celebrations are over, health officials are now wary of a third wave of Covid-19 infections. The city has seen a spike in positive cases and the health department is expecting the numbers to rise further over coming days. Some temple committees have urged the government to close temples where Bonalu celebrations took place for at least a few days and take up a thorough sanitisation drive covering all areas in the vicinity.
The twin cities witnessed massive congregations over the past three weeks with nearly 500 shrines from Hyderabad and Secunderabad taking part in Bonalu celebrations. The state on its part had warned temple committees to follow Covid-19 protocols. While a few temples registered with the endowments department followed these protocols, many did not enforce them citing unprecedented crowds. “Our duty is to appeal to devotees to maintain social distancing and wear masks but we cannot insist every devotee to follow the Covid-19 SoP,” an endowments department official told TOI.
It was observed that many who took part in elephant processions in Secunderabad and two other temples in Old City, completely ignored Covid-19 protocols. Asked about the sanitation operations, GHMC deputy commissioner for Falaknuma circle under Charminar zone, D Jagan said, “Sanitation staff is taking up operations on a regular basis. A day before congregations, entire temple premises is sanitised and similar operations are taken up next day too.” Another official also informed that sanitisation is being taken up regularly as per the GHMC commissioner’s orders.