Kataka: Floodwaters have once again entered the premises of the famous Maa Bhattarika temple in Badamba following the release of water from Hirakud Dam.
As per reports, after 28 gates of the Hirakud Dam were opened, the rising floodwaters have reached near the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. With Navratri puja approaching, concerns over further water ingress have grown.
Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been imposed at both Bhattarika Temple and Singhanath Temple in Badamba as a precautionary measure due to the rising water levels near the shrines.
District administration officials have stated that if the water level rises by another two feet, arrangements are ready to shift the idol of Maa Bhattarika to a safer location for its protection. Despite the flood situation, temple priest Sirish Rana said that the daily rituals and traditional puja of the Goddess continue uninterrupted.
The district administration is closely monitoring the water levels and has advised devotees to stay away from the restricted areas for safety.
