Pune: Amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Wednesday decided to ban Holi celebrations in the city.

In an order released by PMC on Wednesday, Vikram Kumar, PMC Commissioner said, “COVID infection is spreading on large scale in the city. Against the backdrop of the sudden spurt, any gathering should be banned as a precautionary measure on Holi (March 28) and Dhulivandan (March 29) in public place, restaurants, hotel, public halls, public or private open space, open spaces of housing societies, roads, gardens and schools. There is a ban on celebration in a private or public way.”

He further stated that people should avoid celebrating this year’s Holi and take part in ‘Me Jababdar’ initiative of the state government, which is set to create awareness about each citizen’s responsibility to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

The order also states that the people should co-operate with the administration in obeying with the prohibitory order and if any provision in the order is violated, strict will be taken against the person as per the provision of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

A similar decision was taken by Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Wednesday against the backdrop of rising cases of COVID-19 in the city. PCMC in its order also stated that Holi, Rang Panchami celebrations will not be allowed at any private places.

Meanwhile, Pune district on Wednesday reported 5,722 new cases. Of the 5,722 cases, Pune city witnessed 3,509 cases in past 24 hours. However, despite the sudden spurt in the cases of novel virus, Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol has ruled out the decision to enforce lockdown.