The sprawling lawns of Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial have been closed for visitors from March 19 to 31. The decision comes in the wake a steep rise in Covid-19 cases in India and West Bengal reporting its first case on Tuesday. Authorities have decided to close the much-frequented tourist destination in Kolkata as a precautionary measure to avoid large gatherings so that transmission of the rapidly spreading viral infection can be arrested.
However, this is for the first time in the history of 100-year-old Victoria Memorial that the monument would be shut completely for public.
In the past, there have been instances when the monument was partially closed on account of repair work, but never in its 100-year-old history have its lawns been closed for public, that too for a fortnight.
Speaking about the move, the authorities said they are worried about the chances of an infected person visiting the monument and spreading the disease to other visitors. “So the step has been taken as a precautionary measure,” they said.
On an average, the Victoria Memorial registers a footfall of 7,000-10,000 everyday, out of which more than 20 per cent are foreigners.
Ever since governments started issuing travel advisories in wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the footfall has dwindled.
The lawns of Victoria Memorial will also be closed for morning walkers, the authorities said.
The decision will be reviewed on March 31.
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