Picnics seem to be the latest casualty in this pandemic year. Malda police have banned picnics this winter in a bid to check overcrowding, and are putting up notices across the district to this effect.

Alok Rajoria, the superintendent of police of Malda, said picnics would not be allowed anywhere in the district for now.

“Not only popular spots, picnics won’t be allowed anywhere in the district. Police stations have been asked to put up banners and festoons to inform people about the ban,” SP Rajoria said.

In Malda, thousands of picnickers — from Malda and neighbouring districts and states — gather in places like Gour, Kajigram and Sagardighi of Englishbazar, Adina and Pandua in Gazole, Chatra Lake in Old Malda and Panchanandapur in Kaliachak-II block every year, especially during winter.

“Keeping in view Covid-19 safety protocols, we cannot allow such gatherings at popular picnic spots. If picnickers are allowed, it means unchecked overcrowding and may lead to a surge in Covid cases,” Rajoria added.

Senior police officers have instructed all police stations to keep an eye on popular spots and ensure no group of picnickers is allowed during the next two-three months.

On Saturday, such notices were found at Gour and Sagardighi.

Police sources said each police station will form a team to patrol in and around popular picnic spots daily. “If a group reaches the spot unwittingly, the team will ensure they are sent back. Local clubs have also been asked to keep an eye,” a police officer said.

The decision evoked a mixed reaction among residents. While most welcomed the move to keep a check on Covid infections, some said a blanket ban was “excessive”.

“Instead of imposing a complete ban, the police could have kept a cap on the number of picnic parties at each spot, and issue permission to groups on a first-come, first-serve basis,” said Atanu Bose, a young healthcare professional.