The East Singhbhum district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC at the district collectorate in Sakchi on Friday to discourage demonstrations in violation of Covid norms.

With this order in place, no social or political organisations can hold dharnas, demonstration and processions near the district collectorate which, apart from the deputy commissioner's office, also hosts several government departments.

Restrictions have been imposed on the assembly of five or more persons in the 50-metre radius of the district collectorate located along the Subernarekha Link Road.

Entry at the district collectorate without a mask had already been prohibited in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dhalbhum SDO Nitish Kumar Singh, who issued the order as an executive magistrate, said, "Of late, we have been observing that members of several political and social outfits have been staging dharna and demonstrations at the district collectorate without paying heed to Covid protocols. We were, therefore, prompted to impose prohibitory orders which will help prevent crowd. Necessary action as per law would be taken against those violating the order,” he said.

The prohibitory orders will continue till a further notification issued by the office of Dhalbhum SDO. A drop box has been provided near the entrance gate of the collectorate so that people can submit their complaints/ grievances.

Even though Covid positive cases are under control in East Singhbhum, the district health department is getting ready to start a massive testing drive from next week as a precautionary measure.

It plans to conduct as many as 10,000 tests per day from next week targeting those who have come back from their Bihar and elsewhere after Chhath.