With the World Health Organization (WHO) officially terming COVID-19 disease a pandemic, it called for a reassessment of the situation in accordance with advisories issued by the public health authorities. As per the travel advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry, the Indian Government has temporarily suspended visas and tightened entry conditions for foreign nationals. Moreover, as per a statement issued by Maharashtra Health Minister Shri Rajesh Tope, no permission will be granted for public gatherings in the state of Maharashtra. Despite the best efforts to ensure a bigger and even better 5th edition of Vasai Industrial Expo 2020, the Organiser and Partnering Associations are bound to reschedule the event which was to be held from 20-22 March 2020. “Construction work for the event which had started on 14th March at Appa Ground in Vasai (E) have been stopped as the concerned authorities i.e. Police, Municipal Corporation and Collectorate have denied the permission to hold the 2020 edition of Vasai Industrial Expo.” Said Padma Mishra, Group Director – EXHICON Group.
The Maharashtra Government also invoked Epidemic Diseases Act of 1987 in the state, as a result public gatherings in any form is disallowed till further notice, and hence the very objective of the event gets completely defeated. “The new dates of the event shall be announced soon after consultations and mutual consent of all stakeholders i.e. Exhibitors, Sponsors and Supporting Partners – Govalis, VIA, LACMA, NSIC and the Organiser. We seek the continued patronage and support of our exhibitors like all previous editions.” added Mr. Prashant Margaj, Project Head – at EXHICON Group. New dates will be announced on 2nd April 2020 since the government has banned all gatherings till 31st March 2020. We need to wait to see if the ban is extended, if not then the show should happen in April 2020.