Former Minister J&K Yogesh Sawhney criticises the UT Administration’s move to Open Parks and Gardens
Jammu:Former Minister Yogesh Sawhney, General Secretary JKPCC & In Charge District President Jammu Urban, criticised the recent move of the J&K Administration to open up parks and gardens during the Covid-19 Pandemic. He alleged that this move of the administration is unreasonable, especially when it hasn’t considered opening up of religious places and places of worship. “The J&K Administration has announced the opening up of parks and gardens while the Covid cases in the UT are increasing day by day.”, the Former Minister argued.
“The Government has conveniently decided to open up parks and gardens. On the other hand, sacred and important religious places in J&K have made arrangements that social distancing is maintained, have made markings to enable it, aren’t being allowed by the government to open up. Is this because their gardens and parks will earn them heavy revenue unlike the places of worship?”, stated Sawhney. There there are changes of people violating social distancing rules in such places, stated Sawhney. The Former Minister suggested that the administration first thinks about opening up temples, mosques, gurudwaras and other places of worships located in towns, cities and villages throughout J&K. He stated “No social distancing will be maintained in parks and gardens. It increases chances of over crowding. The Government should not think about its revenue earning strategies right now. Places of worship have made arrangements for proper adherence to Covid 19 guidelines.”
“Is the government anti-religion? What is the problem with the opening of religious places when all other places are opening.”, Sawhney stated. He suggested that “atleast local religious places in localities and residential areas be opened where the risks are substantially reduced.”
“We haven’t been able to successfully contain the virus and India has become the third worst hit country in the world. The administration needs to realise this.”, warned Sawhney. “And in any case, I appeal to people to avoid going out unless necessary, and if going out to take all precautions including wearing masks, using sanitisers and maintaining social distancing.”
Lastly, he stated that he strongly condemns this move and stands against it. “Opening parks and gardens is an irrational move and the costs that would be payed for it will be heavy. Thus the administration needs to immediately re-think this decision. “, concluded Sawhney.
