Odisha On COVID-19 Alert: Tourist Spots In & Around Bhubaneswar Shut, Preventive Measures In Lingaraj Temple

Khurda: Acting on the safety guidelines of the Odisha government, the Khurda administration on Sunday announced that all tourist destinations in the district will remain out of bounds for people from Monday.

Talking to mediapersons, Khurda collector Sitanshu Kumar Rout said the Forest Department has been asked not to allow any tourist to visit Kalijai Temple and the bird sanctuary at Nabalabana and Mangalajodi in Chilika lake. Besides, the Odisha Tourism Department has been told not to allow any tourist to stay at the Pantha Nivas at Barkul near the lake.

“We have taken all possible measures to avoid large gathering of the people,” the collector said.

Dhauli Shanti Stupa, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, will also remain closed for visitors till March 31. So is the case with Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves.

“Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus can infect other persons at these spots. Therefore, as a precautionary measure we have advised visitors against touring these sites,” said Rout.

He said that the ban will continue till March 31 and further course of action will be decided after a thorough review of the situation.

Besides, adequate precautionary measures have also been adopted at Lingaraj Temple to prevent spread of the infection.