DEHRADUN: CM Tirath Singh Rawat in one of his first interviews after taking over as Uttarakhand’s new CM, told TOI on Saturday that pilgrims would not need to bring RTPCR Covid-19 test report while coming for Kumbh Mela, officially commencing from April 1 to April 30 in Haridwar.
The state government under Trivendra Singh Rawat had issued SOPs making the RT-PCR test report mandatory for pilgrims. The CM said he had taken the decision to remove the requirement of Covid test reports since “there were doubts among people planning to visit Haridwar for Kumbh and, thus, it is imperative to remove all their apprehensions.”
He said, “Kumbh happens only after 12 years. We don’t want people to miss out on the opportunity of experiencing the festival.” Rawat said it was also not practically possible to conduct the RT-PCR test or check the negative reports as lakhs of people would come to Kumbh daily.
“All we want is the happiness of saints, devotees, traders and locals. We will ensure that Covid-19 norms are followed and the required health infrastructure is available for Kumbh,” he said. Asked if he had any inkling that he would be given the CM’s responsibility, Rawat said, “I didn’t have a clue. When central party members held a meeting in Dehradun, I went to attend it like the others. I am thankful to the party leadership.” He pointed out that education, tourism, infrastructure and health were his focus areas.