Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Due to the rise of the Covid-19 cases and detection of Omicron variant cases in Odisha, the Bhadrak district administration has declared the closure of all religious and social places like temples, mosques, churches and gurudwaras.
According to the official reports, in an order issued by the District Collector on Sunday, the district administration imposed the restriction with effect from January 10 (1 am) till January 31 (12 PM). Meanwhile, Section 144 has been clamped at the Baba Akhandalamani Temple in the district in compliance with the orders issued by the district administration. However, the rituals of the diety are underway amid strict adherence to Covid protocols.
As per the order, only one Sevayat/Servitor is allowed to perform the rituals (Nitikanti) of the deity in the temples. There shall be no darshan by public/devotees. The district administration has also prohibited the use of public address systems and religious procession of any kind from any religious community. Religious congregations of more than 5 people have been strictly prohibited.
All the Inspector-in-charges (IICs)/Officer-in-charges (OICs) have been directed to disseminate and implement the order in all temples and religious places of worship. The order states- “This order shall come into force with immediate effect and any person violating these measures will be proceeded against in accordance with the provisions of section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act.2005, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and Regulations issued thereunder besides legal action under section 188 of the 1PC and other legal provisions as applicable.”
