The Ranchi district administration is working on plans to conduct random tests and set up vaccination camps at key tourist places in and around the capital ahead of an expected surge in footfall during the holiday season beginning with Christmas.

The state government has not begun deliberations yet on enforcing Covid restrictions to regulate year-end festivities in the wake of the pandemic that is seeing a gradual rise in cases amid concerns over the faster spreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Sources in the district administration said that officials were planning to set up vaccination camps at half a dozen tourist spots and also conduct random tests to remain vigilant. A senior official of the district health department said, “We are identifying the spots where we will hold vaccination camps and use mobile testing vans. These will be finalised in a day or two. But as per the trend every year, these will probably be set up at the prominent waterfalls around Ranchi.”

Jonha, Hundru and Dassam water falls are among the top tourist destinations that attract large crowds every winter. People from as far as Bengal, Bihar and Odisha also visit these places for picnics during weekends. Among dams, Patratu, about 40km from Ranchi, is currently the most sought-after destination.

Raj Kishore, a paryatak mitra, or tourists' helper appointed by the state tourism department, said that vaccine and testing camps would be set up from December 25 onwards. “We have been told that these camps will come up at waterfalls in Ranchi in view of the tourist rush. From our end, we will ensure that no one is allowed to enter without masks, and that everyone maintains social distancing," he said.

Ranchi deputy commissioner Chhavi Ranjan said he had already directed officials to strengthen vigil at inter-state and intra-district borders as precautionary measure. “Besides following covid appropriate behavior, testing and vaccination are the key tools to fight the virus spread. While we are regularly holding drives to urge people to follow covid protocols, the district has also stepped up efforts intensify testing at all transit points. This apart, as a part of the ongoing month-long vaccine camp, we are also taking measures to increase vaccination,” he said.