Mumbai goes in safe mode, shuts public places
POSTED August 13, 2009 - 06:46 | POSTED BY Jyoti Pal
Last edited by Priya Markanda on August 13, 2009 - 10:43
Out of the 17 deaths, Maharashtra alone has accounted for 13 of them.
Confirming the decision to shut down, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Chhagan Bhujbal said, “Schools, colleges coaching classes will be shut from tomorrow (Thursday) for seven days and multiplexes and cinema halls for three days."
The government is yet to take a final decision on whether to shut malls as well. The malls are likely to attract huge crowds given the huge discounts they offer during this time of the year.
Mexico, the epicenter of the current swine flu pandemic, had also shut most of the public places for a week to thwart the spread of the swine flu.
Unhappy with the decision
Principal Campion School, Paul Machado says, "I want to ask the state government and also parents how is this a solution? It cannot prevent the spread but it can maybe prevent panic."
People who agree with Machado argue that instead of shutting down public places will only add to the panic in the state; therefore it is better to educate people on the do’s and don’ts in a scenario like this rather than ordering a shut down.
Delhi Mayor Kanwar Sain opined, "No MCD school has been shut. We don't want to do that because it doesn't help. Only those suffering from the illness should be isolated. I don't think all schools should be closed."
'Dahi Handi' Celebrations to be toned down
All major political parties in the state have collectively decided not to celebrate the popular dahihandi during Janmashtami with the pomp and show.
The parties appealed to the people to miss the usual ritual and avoid large gatherings for the traditional festivals. The followers have been requested to have a simple ‘puja’ this year. Meanwhile, the state authorities will also try and put a ceiling on Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Shiv Sena spokesperson, Sanjay Raut said, “Dahi Handi cannot be celebrated this year because of the havoc created by swine flu. We have appealed to other regional parties to not organise the dahi handis this year. Contaminated water and the conditions may even worsen the situation in Maharashtra."
