Beaches closed for public in Odisha’s Ganjam till January 17

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Jan 13, 2022 at 8:43 AM

Berhampur: Beaches and other water bodies in Odisha’s Ganjam district will remain out of bounds for public from January 13 to 17 in view of the COVID-19 situation.

The district administration has taken the decision to avoid large gatherings during upcoming festivals.

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“In order to avoid large gatherings during upcoming festivals and to ensure COVID-19 protocol, all sea beaches in Ganjam such as Gopalpur, Sonapur, etc. & other major water bodies shall remain closed for public from 13th to 17th Jan’22,” tweeted Ganjam Collector.

In order to avoid large gatherings during upcoming festivals and to ensure COVID-19 protocol, all sea beaches in Ganjam such as Gopalpur, Sonapur, etc. & other major water bodies shall remain closed for public from 13th to 17th Jan’22. @CMO_Odisha @SRC_Odisha @IPR_Odisha

— Collector & District Magistrate, Ganjam (@Ganjam_Admin) January 12, 2022

The Odisha Government has issued COVID-related guidelines and restrictions for celebration of Makar Sankranti and Pongal in the state. The festivals fall on January 14, this year.

Below are the guidelines and restrictions.

* Congregations at river banks/ ghats/ ponds/ sea shore or near other water bodies to take bath on the occasion of Makar Sankranti/ Pongal and on the day following shall remain prohibited throughout the state.

* Organisation / celebration of Makar Mela is strictly prohibited.

* All religious places/ places of worship shall be closed for public on Makar Sankranti/ Pongal/ Makal Mela day(s). However religious rituals are allowed with bare minimum priests/ servitors and staff.

* Religious congregations/ celebrations are strictly prohibited.

* People are advised to perform the rituals/ puja on the occasion of Makar Sankranti/ Pongal at home with family members only, avoiding mass gatherings and adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols such as physical distancing, use of face mask/ covering and hand washing/ hand sanitizer.

All District Magistrates/ Municipal Commissioners/ Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack/ Superintendents of Police have been directed to strictly enforce the above guidelines.