Gulmarg visitors to undergo thermal scanning: DC Baramulla

SRINAGAR — With the authorities in Baramulla having enforced lockdown, SOPs in the district for containment of COVID-19, the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr G N Itoo Sunday said that they have not closed Gulmarg tourist place for the visitors.

“We have not closed the Gulmarg tourist place for the visitors. But yes, people will be allowed only after proper thermal scanning at Tangmarg before moving forward to Gulmarg,” he said.

He appealed people to follow the guidelines properly. “It is already permitted by the government but yes, there are already SOPs for the tourist places and I appeal people to adhere to these in spirit,” he added.

The enforcement order of the Baramulla district administration reads, “Whereas, for the containment of COVID-19, SOPs have been issued front time to time by the Government and District Administration and latest vide Government Order No. 66- JK(DMRRR) of 2020; Dated: 03-07-2020 which among other things clearly restricts the following activities.”

“i) All cinemas halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, spas, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places. ii) All social / political / sports / entertainment / academic / cultural / religious functions and other large gatherings and congregations. Religious places / places of worship shall continue to remain closed for the public till further orders”.

“Whereas, during the last few days, it has been found that in violation of the above SOPs, some people have organized sports tournaments, gymnasium activities and a significant number of people have been seen visiting religious places and organizing religious congregations”.

“Whereas, penalty including sealing of the gym centres has been initiated and even violators have been fined but still the violation is continuing which is a matter of great concern and can prove as a source of spread of COVID-19.”

“Now, therefore, in view of the above, it is hereby ordered that no person / persons / organization is allowed to carry the above activities including visiting religious places within territorial jurisdiction of Baramulla District without proper permission from competent authority”.

“Anybody found involved in violation of the orders shall be dealt strictly which may include imposing a fine / FIR.”

“The law enforcement agencies including Police, Revenue officers, Auqaf / local management of religious places are directed to ensure that no violation is allowed and violator will be dealt strictly as per law,” the order reads.