Bhubaneswar: With the cyclone approaching Odisha, the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has issued an urgent advisory for pilgrims and tourists from other states to depart Puri by October 23 for safety reasons.
With the cyclone predicted to affect several districts, including Puri, Minister Pujari advised tourists and devotees to return to their respective states to avoid any potential harm.
Pujari said, “Non-resident tourists in Puri should leave Puri and those wanting to stay should relocate to safer areas. The government is taking all necessary measures to combat the impending cyclone. Although the cyclone’s path is unclear, tourists are advised to leave Puri starting today. The district administration has been instructed to prevent tourists from visiting Puri until the cyclone threat passes.”
“To combat the impending cyclone, ODRAF teams have been dispatched to potentially affected districts today. These teams will be on high alert at district headquarters and key locations”, informed Pujari.
Additionally, NDRF teams will be deployed to sensitive areas across Odisha. The central government has agreed to provide extra NDRF teams and helicopters, which are expected to arrive by October 23, as stated by Minister Pujari.
The Odisha government has also made necessary arrangements for the safety of habisyalis in Puri, according to Minister Suresh Pujari.