Night Curfew Extended By 2 Hours In Bhubaneswar & Cuttack During Durga Puja

Bhubaneswar: In view of the festive season, the Odisha government has decided to extend the duration of the night curfew in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack by two hours (8 pm to 5 am instead of 10 pm to 5 am) from October 11 to 20.

It will continue to remain in force in all urban areas across the state from 10 pm to 5 pm, Special Relief Commissioner PK Jena said while announcing unlock measures for October on Wednesday.

However, there will be no weekend shutdown, he said.

The SRC further said that all types of shops and malls across the state will remain open from 5 am to 10 pm every day.

All religious festivals, functions have to be celebrated in accordance with the government order issued on August 9, 2021, Jena added.

Activities allowed during night curfew:

>> All commercial establishments, including essential items, food and vegetable shops, excluding medicine/ pharmaceutical/ medical devices/optical shops will remain closed.

>> Home delivery of essential goods, food items, including groceries, vegetables, fish, meat, egg and milk are permitted.

>> Home delivery of food by restaurants, hotels and aggregators such as Swiggy and Zomato are allowed.

>> No restrictions on the movement of people of COVID testing and vaccination

>> All government and private offices/ establishments dealing with essential services/ utility providers like power, telecommunication, water supply, police, municipal services, railways/airport/port services and security will remain functional.

>> Movement of private four and two-wheeler, autorickshaws, cab aggregators such as Ola, Uber is allowed for dropping and picking up passengers to and from airports, railway stations and bus stands.

During the night curfew, the authorities concerned can allow/restrict any such activities in the interest of the general health of the public and for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, the SRC release said.

The government has also prohibited the sale and use of firecrackers during this festive occasion. This ban can lead to the cancellation of ‘Ravan Podi’, which is usually held on the 10th day of Durga Puja.