Just like everything else, the Coronavirus lockdown had put a stop to the famed Ganga boat rides in Varanasi too, and the residents have been longing for their serene evening rides for the past few months. But, we have some good news for you. The boat rides in Varanasi have resumed operations after a three-month-long hiatus. By Kumar Shree
Boat rides in Varanasi – a form of divine recreation for tourists and locals alike – is also an important means of transportation for the residents. Not only do people use boats for cross-river journeys, but these rides are also the only source of livelihood for many. Ever since the plying ceased due to the lockdown, it had caused severe livelihood problem for many. And, this new move has come as a sign of relief for countless boatmen and residents!
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Kaushal Raj Sharma, District Magistrate (DM) for Varanasi took the first Ganga boat ride in Varanasi post the lockdown. While the move comes as a relief for the city’s boatmen, not all of them can resume operations. The Varanasi District Administration has allowed relaxations to only those who are registered on the smart city portal that is generated by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation.
Even though the number of Coronavirus cases in India has seen a steep rise since Unlock 1.0, the central and state governments have allowed most of the services to resume operations, while ensuring public safety, in an attempt to revive the economy.
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Many other states and cities in India have also decided to resume tourism and are inviting tourists with the promise of safety and lucrative deals. All the safety measures such as rapid testings, COVID-19 negative reports, social distancing norms, and other hygiene practices are being set in motion meticulously to ensure safety of public.
At the time of writing this article, India had reported a total of 585,792 COVID-19 positive cases (as on July 1, 2020).
Related: #SomeGoodNews: Darjeeling Is All Set To Welcome Tourists From July 1
