Mumbai: With Diwali just around the corner, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government on Thursday issued guidelines on preventive measures to curtail the further spread of novel coronavirus during the festival. The state government also requested citizens to avoid bursting crackers to curb air and noise pollution.

The government has also urged people to celebrate the festival of Diwali with low grandeur. The order released by the government on Thursday asked the people to avoid overcrowding. Also, masks, sanitisers are mandatory while venturing. It has also advised children and senior citizens not to come out of the house.

The government has also banned to conduct traditional or cultural events during the Diwali. One can conduct these programmes online. Also, the government has encouraged to conduct health awareness programs, blood donation camps during the celebration.

The hospital, local administration and police will be asked to keep a strict vigil that the rules imposed are followed strictly.

RAJESH TOPE URGES CRACKER-FREE DIWALI

Though the state has not taken any decision to ban firecrackers, it has urged people to celebrate cracker-free Diwali. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday appealed people of the state to keep Maharashtra pollution-free and has also said that the government may decide on banning firecrackers in few days.

On Thursday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had declared that the government has decided to ban firecrackers ahead of Diwali festival. Apart from Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan, Haryana have also banned firecrackers.