Bhubaneswar: Denizens of the state capital who had planned mega celebrations for New Year’s Eve may have to look for other ideas as the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Tuesday, clarified that Zero Night celebrations will not be allowed in the Capital city this year.
Owing to prevalence of Covid-19 and a possible second wave, the BMC Commissioner stated that the celebrations will have to wait this year as the city is still not out of the danger yet. He also mentioned that those found violating the norms will be fined accordingly.
Addressing the media here, the BMC Commissioner, Prem Chandra Chaudhary, said, “The current Covid-19 guidelines don’t allow any celebration on New Year’s eve. While the Covid cases may have dropped significantly in the city, we still cannot let our guards down. All Covid norms are still in place and the New Year celebrations may weaken us in our battle against the pandemic,” Chaudhary said.
Christmas celebrations allowed
However, in a respite to the Christian community here, the BMC, Tuesday, stated that people will be allowed to celebrate Christmas with a special provision amid the pandemic.
Chaudhary said that people can celebrate Christmas this year by strictly adhering to Covid-19 norms. He also added that the permission for celebrations will only be given after the Churches furnish the details required as needed under the special provision.
“Members of the Christian community had earlier approached us over Christmas celebrations this year. Keeping in view their request, a special provision has been made for them. They can celebrate Christmas following social distancing norms and with a limited number of guests,” Chaudhary said.
“Each and every church has to give a special request and provide details of the space and the number of persons who can be accommodated at a particular point of time. Based on the details, we will issue order for celebration,” he added.
