Hyderabad: Call for social distancing during Haritha Haram

Hyderabad: Even as the government is making massive plans to green the capital city with around 50 lakh saplints as part of sixth round of Haritha Haram programme from June 20, officials and social activists are apprehensive as there will be public participation amid high risks of Corona infection.

They are of the view that public participation should be kept off this year as it may lead to spiraling increase in the cases of Covid cases in the city which has not yet come out of the clutches of coronavirus.

"How can the public take part in the campaign this year when the government has banned citizens' entry into public places due to Covid-19 pandemic? Before launching the programme, the government must clear the air and state how they can take part in it safely," demands Kamelakar Jitandar a social activist.

"As several restrictions are already imposed by the government from ban on entry into public places like parks to maintain social distancing, it would be prudent to hold the campaign this time on a low key, with only public representatives and other officials attending it," some of officials aver.

Hyderabad is still a hot spot of Covid-19 where restrictions are not yet eased, unlike in districts. Against this scenario, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation is planting to involve the public on a large scale for planting a whopping 50 lakh saplings in all the operational zones.