Thrissur: In the wake of Devaswoms disapproving the implementation of further restrictions for Thrissur Pooram, Chief Secretary VP Joy has convened a meeting on Monday to take a final decision.
The Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady Devswoms had informed the district collector during a meeting that it is impossible to conduct the Pooram amid tight restrictions. It is expected that a final decision on the Pooram will be taken on Monday.
The government had earlier said that those who have been administered with first dose of Covid vaccine need not furnish RT-PCR negative certificate. But on Saturday, new order was issued making RT-PCR negative certificate mandatory for those who haven't received second dose of Covid vaccine.
Also, it was said that elephants will be allowed to participate in Thrissur Pooram only if their mahouts have Covid negative certificates. The fitness of elephants also will be examined. A 40-member team has been appointed to examine the elephants.
The mahouts of the elephants should undergo Covid test and produce Covid negative certificate. Only if the mahouts have Covid negative certificate, their elephants can take part in the festival.
At least three mahouts should accompany an elephant and all three of them should be Covid negative. Even if one of the mahouts turn Covid positive, the elephant will not be allowed to participate in the festival. Also, if one turns positive, other mahouts should remain in quarantine.
The Devaswoms were of the stance that new and stricter restrictions can’t be accepted.
In the previous editions of Thrissur Pooram, Devaswoms had funded the food and other expenses of the police personnel who were deployed in festival ground. This can’t be done this year. Also the expenses for placing barricades at the Thekkinkadu Maidan should be taken up by the government, they further stated.
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