Odisha Channel Bureau
Bhubaneswar: The temples across Odisha are likely to open for the public after the State government finalises an action plan in this regard in the next couple of weeks.
The State government on Thursday asked the Jagannath temple administration in Puri and other major temples to prepare plan of action for opening temples for worshippers adhering to COVID regulations.
The State government has asked the District Collectors to submit their reports after consultation with all stakeholders in next 10 days.
All temples and other religious centres have remained closed in Odisha since the nationwide lockdown was imposed in March this year in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A final decision about reopening the temples for the public will be taken after the government receives the reports from different temple administrations and managements, according to sources.
The State government’s move comes amid demand by priests of various temples urging the government to reopen the temples. and an Orissa High Court order on the issue.
While disposing off two petitions, the Orissa High Court had on Wednesday asked the State government to open the temples in a graded manner after assessing the COVID-19 situation.
