Covid-19 Surge: Odisha Restricts Congregations, Melas In Temples On Maha Shivaratri

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday restricted any kind of congregation on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri on March 11. The restrictions have been clamped in view of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation.

Even though the Covid-19 situation is under control in Odisha, there has been surge in the number of daily cases in several other States like Maharashtra, Punjab and Kerala.

letter to Collectors and Municipal Commissioners, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed them to restrict congregations, gatherings to such number as may be felt appropriate in view of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation considering local situations, circulation space availing within temples and its premises to enter strictly adhering to the Covid-19 safety protocols.

“Mela, congregations outside/within the temple premises may also be reasonably restricted so as to avoid mass gathering/ crowding,” the SRC letter read.

Moreover, the State government has also directed Collectors and Municipal Commissioners to take stringent action against persons under the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)