Vikash Sharma

Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Saturday released a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementation at Puri Srimandir to keep the Covid-19 infections at bay.

As per the latest SOP, all the guidelines issued by the State Government with respect to restrictions on persons coming from other states shall be scrupulously followed, said SJTA in a release.

Apart from this, the Puri Jagannath Temple will remain open on all days of the week except Sundays.

Earlier, SJTA chief administrator Krishan Kumar had announced that the temple will remain out of bounds for devotees every Sundays for carrying out necessary sanitation activities.
Such decisions were approved after a meeting was held with all stakeholders under the Chairmanship SJTA chief administrator Krishan Kumar today.

Also Read: Covid-19 Surge: Night Curfew In 10 Odisha Districts From April 5

As per official sources, detailed discussions were held on the implementation of guidelines laid down in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for reopening of Shree Jagannath Temple which were notified on December 22, January 1 and February 10, 2021.

It was discussed that a number of suggestions have been received for making changes in the SOP in view of the increasing trend in number of cases of COVID-19. The matter was also discussed in the Chhatisha Nijog meeting held on March 23, 2021. After detailed discussions and considering all the connected matters, it was decided to supersede the above referenced orders to the extent provided here under:

1. The Temple will remain open on all days of the Week except Sundays. This will be as per the schedule of Niti on different days. The public darshan of Lords will start latest by 6 AM, unless notified.

2. The Temple will remain closed for public darshan on all Sundays w.e.f. dt. 04.04.2021; including 04.04.2021.

3. There will be complete sanitization of the Temple premises on every Sunday. Night time sanitization of the Temple premises will be conducted twice a week, after closure of temple for public darshan.

4. There should be strict enforcement for ensuring Covid appropriate behaviour by all concerned.

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