Puri: The hassle-free darshan (divine glimpse) of the deities at Srimandir (Jagannath Temple) was allowed to all the devotees from today as they can enter the shrine without showing Covid negative report anymore.
Even a feedback and single window cell has been opened by the police for the devotees to lodge their complaints or any suggestions which would be set right soon after.
While adequate police bandobast and traffic regulation are in place, separate queues have also been made for the elderly and disabled persons to ensure smooth darshan by all the devotees.
Talking to media, Puri Collector Samarth Verma said, “We have made all the arrangements as decided at our meeting. We’ve made separate queues for the elderly and disabled persons. We aren’t insisting on the Covid report. But, we’re ensuring strict observance of the Covid protocols like wearing of mask, use of hand sanitizer and social distancing. Besides, the fire, police, medical and municipality staffs are complying with their respective responsibilities.”
He informed, “Niti as well as darshan also began at the proper time today. Now everything is running smoothly. We’re expecting that 6000-7000 devotees have already had darshan till now.”
“The denizens of Puri town have been given the darshan slot from 6-7 am. They have done it today.
Around 4000 Puri denizens have had their darshan today. We would like to request them to have the smooth darshan on separate days in a week sans any problem,” urged the Collector.
In his media reactions, Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh said, “We’ve opened a feedback cell and single widow of police at Uttar Dwar (north gate). In case of any complaints or feedback, the concerned devotees can put forth easily following which we can ensure future plan accordingly.”
He informed, “Around 6 platoons of police force have been deployed inside the temple while 20 platoons have been pressed into service on the Bada Danda (grand road). Separate arrangements have been made for traffic regulation. To maintain inner and outer police coordination, Assistant Commandant and Additional SP are specially looking after it. Our police force is fully alert to ensure that the devotees have darshan of the deities very peacefully. We’re completely focusing on it.”