PONDA: On the backdrop of possible second COVID-19 wave, alert Ponda locals on Monday urged the government to come out with special and strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) for proper regulation of crowd during the upcoming zatra festivals.

The locals said that during the Diwali festival there was a mad rush for shopping, throwing COVID norms to wind, and so it is a crucial time that strategy should be worked out to manage the crowd at zatras, which attracts lakhs of devotees. Bahujans are attached to their deities and so special effort would be required for maintaining social distancing norm.

From next week onwards, the zatras begin in the State, the temple committees are also busy preparing their SOPs. The locals suggested that the government come out with special and strict SOPs for the zatra celebrations to avoid chaos and possible spread of COVID-19 infection. Earlier, Navratri was celebrated with the SOPs.

According to Deputy Sarpanch of Borim Sunil Sawkar, “Some people are behaving like old normal as if corona pandemic is finish. I doubt whether it will be possible to maintain social distancing norm and manage the crowd.”

He said, “The best and final decision is upon the people with respect to participation in the zatra festivals.”