In Maharashtra, in the wake of a surge in Covid-19 cases lockdown has been re-imposed in Pune and Pimpri- Chinchwad region from last midnight. The lockdown will be in place till 23rd July. After Mumbai, Pune has seen a relentless increase in Covid-19 cases, prompting the administration to impose lockdown.

 According to reports, in Pune, the 10-day lockdown has come into effect. All the main roads and squares have been closed as police have put up barricades and strict checking is being done to avoid unnecessary movement of citizens.

Although the announcement of lockdown was made well in advance people have stocked the essentials for their daily requirements and are adhering by sitting at home.

Shopkeepers association and other associations have also extended their support to this lockdown and almost all the shops are closed in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. There are 22,197 active cases in Pune District while 1,127 deaths have been registered in the district.

Meanwhile, in  Maharashtra, days after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray called for simple and low-key Ganesh Utsav celebrations this year owing to COVID-19 pandemic, the State Government has today released the guidelines for Ganesh Utsav pandals. Ganeshotsav is the most popular festival in Maharashtra. The pandals set up by various mandals in Mumbai and other places in the state attract thousands of devotees during the 10-day festivities. This year's Ganesh Utsav festivities start on the 22nd of August and will last 11 days, concluding with the immersion of Lord Ganesha's idols.

"As the number of Coronavirus cases soars in Maharashtra, the State Government has issued relevant guidelines for this year’s Ganeshotsav celebration in the state. As per the guidelines, the Ganesh idol height in community pandals must be limited to four feet, while Ganpati idols at home must be limited to two feet.

Instead of traditional Ganesh idols, the State Government has urged people to bring eco-friendly idols. It has urged people that if possible one must immerse the idols at home or in nearby artificial ponds. Moreover, it said that, if possible one can postpone the immersion ceremony of community idols to next year’s Ganesh Utsav festival. It has urged community Ganesh Mandals to organize awareness health campaigns on Dengue, Malaria, COVID-19 or organize blood donation drives instead of cultural programmes.

The State Government said that if possible the mandals must make arrangements for online darshan via a cable network, or websites or through Facebook live to avoid crowding in the pandals. It further said that all the mandals should have disinfectant as well as hand sanitizing and thermal screening facilities. It has asked the mandals to avoid crowding in pandals during Aarati and Bhajan. The guidelines said that no procession should be carried out while welcoming or immersion of the idols and one must wait the least possible time at the immersion areas. It has asked small children and senior citizens to refrain from going to the immersion spots.