Around 100 fitness enthusiasts and gym trainers joined a silent march from Sinthee More to Rathtala Nazrul Manch in Belghoria on Sunday morning to demand immediate reopening of gyms and fitness centres across the state. The participants, wearing masks, said they were forced to hit the streets to protest the government’s decision to close gyms and fitness centres from January 3 as a precaution against Covid. “It is not only an issue of the livelihood of people associated with the fitness industry. The decision is against the interest of those trying to lead a healthy life in this time of pandemic…. Where will the fitness enthusiasts go? What will happen to those suffering from diabetes, obesity, orthopaedic problems or kidney ailments?” asked Subhabrata Bhattacharjee, founder-director, Mantra Lifestyle Health Club. “We are aware of the rising Covid graph, but there is little doubt that a healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective deterrents against Covid infections. So, we urge the government to review its decision and allow the gyms and fitness centres to operate with strict adherence to the Covid protocols.”
BSF drive
Siliguri: A BSF team posted along the north Bengal frontier carried out a drive to prevent smuggling and seized contraband items worth Rs 4.26 lakh on Saturday night.
The items were being transported to Bangladesh when the BSF team seized them, sources said.