Puri: The Puri district administration extended the restriction on conducting funerals of deceased persons belonging to other districts and states at Swargadwar to October 31.
As per official orders, restrictions on observance of the last funeral rites of the deceased belonging to other districts/states at Swargadwar Puri as well as immersion of ashes at Mahodadhi has been extended up to October 31, 2020 in view of the pandemic.
“As the cremation ground Swargadwar has some spiritual significant, people from different parts of Odisha come here to perform the last rites of their loved ones. Due to the COVID-19 crisis the administration has decided not to allow cremation of bodies from other districts,” District Collector Balwant Singh said.
“We understand it is a harsh decision but it is for protection of all persons including those coming from outside as well as Puri residents. We urge people to support the administration”, added Singh.
Singh however, said that the last rites of persons belonging to Puri district can be performed at Swargadwar Puri. However, all COVID-19 rules will have to be followed strictly.
The order further states that all tehsildars-cum-Incident Commanders along with IICs of the respective police stations shall have to restrict movement of vehicles carrying corpses from other districts/states to Swargadwar Puri in their respective jurisdictions.
Executive Officer, Puri Municipality has been instructed to keep close surveillance in the matter, along with strict implementation of the order issued by the district administration, official sources said.
PNN
