COVID-19 SOPs flagrantly abused during cultural event in Badamwari

SRINAGAR — Hours after District Magistrate Srinagar issued strict directions for adherence to COVID-19 related SOPs due to surge in positive cases, the SOPs went for a toss during a cultural programme organized by Tourism department in Badamwari area of Srinagar city.

Soon after its opening, hundreds thronged the famous Badamwari garden located in Old City area of Srinagar without adhering to COVID-related SOPs. Maximum people were seen roaming without wearing face masks.

With DC Srinagar warning of strict action against the violators of COVID-19 SOPs, people including top officials made it to the cultural programme amid the rising COVID-19 cases in the city, that too without following proper SOPs.

The programme was organized by the Department of Tourism J&K to announce the opening of the garden for the general public. Tourism Secretary Sarmad Hafeez and Director Tourism Dr. GN Itoo were present on the occasion.

Eyewitnesses said that no thermal scanning was done prior to the entry in the garden and there was huge jumbling inside as well.

Srinagar district witnessed a total of 73 Coronavirus cases today with only 17 being travellers.