Action against resorts that violated orders by facilitating the participation of foreign tourists in Pongala: minister Surendran

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran on Monday said that action will be initiated against the resorts that violated the precautionary orders by facilitating foreign tourists to reach the city in order to participate in the Attukal Pongala festival amid Coronavirus fear. While informing that a six-member group of foreign tourists was sent back from participating in the festival, Surendran added that action will be taken against all the hotels that violate government orders. The group is stationed in a private resort in Kovalam.

While Health Minister KK Shailaja had issued an order stating that foreign tourists can take part in the festival by conducting the pongala rituals at their respective hotels, Thiruvananthapuram District Collector asked all foreigners to stay in their hotels during the festival. The health department had also warned all those experiencing coronavirus symptoms against taking part in the festival.