The Bengal government has directed district magistrates to organise all pre-scheduled programmes, festivals and fairs by adhering to Covid-19 protocol as it thinks there will be a “negative impact” on people if the events are cancelled because of a spike in infections.

Sources said in a video conference with district magistrates across Bengal, chief secretary H.K. Dwivedi told them not to cancel any pre-scheduled government programme by citing the Covid situation.

The government has asked all districts to observe Vivek Chetana Utsav on Wednesday on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Six Jungle Mahal districts, including Purulia, Jhargram, Bankura and West Midnapore, have been asked to organise the Jungle Mahal Utsav from January 17 to 19.

“It was directed to organise all such festivals or fairs in the districts by following Covid protocols. Other than the Jungle Mahal Utsav or birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, there are several other programmes scheduled for this month. The government thinks it would have a negative impact on the people if these programmes are cancelled,” said a senior government official.

Senior officials said the government had cited the instance of organising the Gangasagar Mela by adopting Covid related measures.

Nabanna’s stance on festivals and melas have compelled the Birbhum district administration to revoke its earlier decision to cancel the century-old three-day Joydeb fair that begins on Makar Sankranti every year.

“We have reconsidered our decision and decided to organise Joydeb Mela. Yes, it would be organised on a small scale with a minimum number of stalls and akhras of religious and folk singers,” said Chandranath Sinha, a state minister and Trinamul MLA from Bolpur.

Officials in several districts said they were surprised with the decision of the government at a time when Covid cases were increasing every day across Bengal.

“The government has asked us to follow Covid protocol. But it will be a challenge to follow it during any fair or festivals. However, we will try to do our best,” said a district magistrate of a south Bengal district on condition of anonymity.

Public health experts are upset with the government’s stand on holding fairs.

Dr Arjun Dasgupta, honourary president of West Bengal Doctors’ Forum that had moved to court to stop this year’s Gangasagar Mela, also condemned the government’s decision. “Our stand is very clear as we are against all types of unwanted gatherings. In our view, all such social, religious events and fairs are unwanted gatherings as those are at the very bottom of the priority list.”

“Yes, we know the services like bus or trains should be kept open as it is the priority for the sake of the livelihood of the people. In a few countries, opening schools is a priority but not here,” said Dasgupta.