Odisha: Restrictions on cremation at Puri Swargadwara to remain in force till Sept 30

Puri: A day after the Odisha government issued guidelines for Unlock 4 during the month of September, the Puri district administration today extended restrictions on cremation of the deceased from other districts and States at Swargadwara, Puri till September 30, 2020.

In an order, Puri Collector Balwant Singh stated restriction on observance of the last funeral rites of the deceased belonging to other districts/states at Swargadwara will remain in force till September 30, 2020 in view of COVID-19 pandemic. Also, immersion of ashes at Mahodadhi (sea) has been restricted till the end of this month.

“However, persons within Puri district coming to perform the last rites of the deceased belonging to their family at Swargadwara and immersion of ashes at Mahodadhi are allowed to perform the rituals with strict observance of the COVID-19 regulations, 2020,” the order added.

Besides, all Tahsildars-cum-Incident Commanders along with the IICs of the respective police stations were asked to restrict movement of vehicles carrying corpse from other districts/states to Swargadwara Puri in their respective jurisdiction.

The Executive Officer Puri Municipality has been instructed to keep close surveillance and asked to ensure strict implementation of the order.