Mahakumbh, Rishikesh and Haridwar emerge as Covid-19 hotspot prior to Mahakumbh

During the outbreak of second wave of Covid-19, numerous incidents of positive cases are being found mainly in the city of Rishikesh, experts say Haridwar and Rishikesh emerged as areas of infection in Uttarakhand.

Fear has been exacerbated by incidents involving a single Covid-19 infection at a five-star hotel in Rishikesh where an estimated 76 people were diagnosed with the virus which led authorities to close the hotel for three days for sanitization.

Similarly, before that, 22 tourists, who were members of a 50-member delegation from Gujarat to Rishikesh was tested and found to be infected with the Covid-19 virus, which caused the city's residents to panic. In another incident, 11 Yoga tour operators also came in contact with the virus a few days ago. Greater Rishikesh Hotels and Resorts Association president Vijay Bisht said, "The increase in tourist cases is a matter of concern to us. As more cases are reported, more tourists will avoid coming to Rishikesh. affecting our business which had already collapsed last year due to lockdown last year as well due to covid.”

Urging the government to conduct random Covid-19 tests for tourists coming to the city and isolate them if they are found to be infected, He said hotels in the city focused on keeping their employees safe while urging them to follow all safety precautions.

Bisht said, “Closing a hotel if guests are found to be infected is not a solution. Not only does it damage the reputation of the hotel but it also sends a negative message to visitors.”

Apart from fears that Mahakumbh may appear to be more widespread, the incidents worry hoteliers and Rishikesh tourist-related individuals fear that if tourists continue to find themselves positive in the city, they could seriously affect their business and will also risk another tourist’s health as well.  Rishikesh is considered the gateway to Char Dham Yatra, but so far, no hotel bookings have been made. "We fear a recurrence of last year's business scenario as cases continue to grow", Bisht added.

Amid a growing number of Covid-19 cases, experts say the government needs to "use stronger self-defence measures".

Anoop Nautiyal, a social activist who has been monitoring the situation in Covid-19 in Uttarakhand since lockdown last year, said, "The increase in cases is of great concern."