Cuttack: The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has issued Covid guidelines ahead of Maha Shivratri on March 1, 2022.
Reportedly, the Government of Odisha in Revenue & Disaster Management (Disaster Management) have specifically directed that large gathering congregations outside/ within the temple premises relating to the celebration of Maha Shivratri, will be restricted to avoid mass gathering/ crowding.
During the sacred festivals of Maha Shivratri is falling on March 1st, people usually congregate & get in touch with each other to celebrate the festival. In the interest of the health of the general public and for containment of the spread of COVID-19, it has been ordered that all temples must adopt the following guidelines during the above period within CMC jurisdiction.
1. For conducting festival in temples, each organization/puja Committee shall apply to and obtain the necessary permission from the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cuttack or any other officer authorized by him.
2. The number of devotees inside the temple will be restricted to 50% of premises capacity and devotees present in temple shall follow all COVID protocols of social distancing, mask use, personal hygiene, and sanitation issued by Central /State Government/Local Administration in letter and spirit.
3. There shall be no congregation /meta, outside or within the temple premises.
4. There shall be no music or any other entertainment program.
5. The organizers and other persons involved in conducting the puja shall abide by any other condition(s) as imposed by CMC.
It is to be noted that any person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against in accordance with the provisions of section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and Regulations issued there under besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC and other legal provisions as applicable.
The violation of any of the above conditions will attract suitable penal action as per law.
Kalinga AI