Odisha’s COVID-19 Norms For March: Major Relief For ‘Jatra’ Operators

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Saturday announced the guidelines of COVID-19 for March, giving a major relief to ‘Jatra’ (open air theatre) operators in the state.

Issuing the guidelines, the office of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) stated that maximum 2,000 persons will be allowed to attend a Jatra show. But the organisers have to obtain prior approval of the local authorities and comply with the COVID-19 protocols likes wearing face masks and maintaining social distance during the show.

A few days back, the Jatra operators had threatened of migrating to other states, if they are not allowed to stage their shows with 2000 spectators. They are on a fast-unto-death protest at Lower PMG in the city.

Following the pandemic, the government had banned the Jatra shows in March last year.

The SRC has also directed the Jatra organisers to provide the facility of online ticket booking and open sufficient number of counters to prevent rush of people. They have to ensure thermal scanning of people coming to the shows.

Stating that the organisers will be held responsible for compliance of the guidelines, the notification stated that any violation of the norms will be taken a serious note.