“Those returning from Kumbh Mela… will distribute corona as ‘prasad’.”: Kishori Pednekar

Pilgrims returning from the Kumbh Mela in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar will distribute coronavirus as “prasad” in their states, Mumbai’s mayor said today as coronavirus cases ravage the country especially Maharashtra – the worst-affected state in India.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s mayor Kishori Pednekar also added that they are considering quarantining the pilgrims on their return to Mumbai. They must also bear the expenses of their quarantine, the Mayor added.
“Those returning from Kumbh Mela to their respective states will distribute corona as ‘prasad’. All these people should be quarantined in their respective states at their own cost. In Mumbai also, we’re thinking of putting them under quarantine on their return,” Ms Pednekar said, ANI quoted her as saying.
Hundreds of thousands of devotees gathered for the Kumbh Mela on the banks of the river Ganga for a holy dip, escalating concerns about an exponential rise in Covid cases amid a countrywide spike in infections.
Ms Pednekar also said that a “complete lockdown” should be imposed in Mumbai due to the raging pandemic.
“95 per cent of Mumbaikars are adhering to COVID-19 restrictions. The remaining 5 per cent of people who are not following restrictions are causing problems to others. I think a complete lockdown should be imposed looking at the current COVID-19 situation,” Ms Pednekar said, ANI quoted her as saying.Report by Chetali S M
Reported on – 17/04/2021