left Puri: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Puri Lord Jagannath Temple reopened today for the residents of the district. The locals can have the darshan of the Trinity till December 31.
People of ward number 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, 12 today got the chance to have the darshan of the deities in a phased manner (three shifts) starting from 7:30 am.
"On an average, residents of 5 wards will be allowed in a day. We will issue the ward-wise break up and the slot for Darshan with timings by tomorrow. Each ward will get a 4-hour slot for Darshan. The tokens will be handed over to the head of each family through our network of Anganwadi , ASHA workers and other volunteers," Puri Collector Balwant Singh had earlier informed.
As the Puri Srimandir has opened after a long hiatus, eight kiosks have been made for the smooth and disciplined darshan of the desperate devotees. Security personnel have also been deployed at all the kiosks.
Besides, 18 platoons of forces have been deployed to monitor the law and order situation and ensure strict adherence of Covid-19 guidelines during the darshan.
Barricades have also been raised along the Bada Danda from Municipal Market chowk towards the main gate of the Srimandir. As many as nine rows have been erected within the barricades to ensure that devotees enter the temple in queues by maintaining social distance.
Meanwhile, devotees from outside Puri would be allowed entry into the Puri Jagannath Temple from January 3. They will have to produce Covid-19 negative reports obtained within 48 hours prior to their visit.