Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (DV)

Bengaluru, Apr 17: Revenue minister R Ashok on Saturday April 17, said that as the cases of Covid-19 are spiking in the state, the government has banned all types of religious festivals and temple 'jatras' to contain further spread of Covid-19.

He was speaking to media persons after reviewing the Covid-19 situation in the state with deputy commissioners, virtually, along with home minister Basavaraj Bommai and health minister Dr K Sudhakar.

If any such festivals or jatras take place, the deputy commissioner of the concerned district will be held responsible, he said.

"It is necessary to stop the rising cases in the state before it reaches the peak. The pandemic should be controlled by testing and vaccination. We should work on war-footing speed,” he said.

He also directed officials to arrange additional beds for the treatment of the Covid-19 patients. The funds will be released to all the districts to tackle the Covid situation on April 20, he said.

“If such festivals or Jatras held at the taluk level, tahsildars of concerned taluk will be held responsible,” he added.

Home minister Basavaraj Bommai said, “From today, marriage halls should be booked after obtaining permission from the deputy commissioner. Those who already booked it, will be allowed. In future, permission from the deputy commissioner is mandatory. The district administration will issue passes for a minimum number of people to attend the marriage. Action will be taken against the marriage hall owner if additional passes are issued from the prescribed number.”

“If the marriage houses are crowded, FIR will be booked against them too,” Ashok said.