Bhubaneswar: For the past two days, life in Odisha districts has come to a grinding halt due to incessant heavy rainfall, disrupting daily life, and posing a significant threat to the state’s infrastructure.
The latest victim of the torrential rains is the Panchalingeswar Temple in Balasore district, where the district administration has temporarily imposed a ban on the darshan of the presiding deity at the famous Shiv shrine due to the swelling waters of the perennial streams.
It is worth noting that Panchalingeswar is a Saiva shrine situated on a hillock with perennial streams falling on five natural lingas. Its natural beauty attracts nature lovers and visitors throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the strong currents have made it dangerous for devotees to touch the sacred lingas, prompting authorities to ban darshan at the shrine.
According to sources, due to the increased water flow in the stream, devotees are restricted from touching the lingas until the water level recedes. Water has risen to ankle level at the spot where devotees usually light lamps and offer prayers. Many devotees from outside the state, who had come to visit the shrine, returned disappointed as they were deprived of the darshan.
On the other hand, floodwaters from Balimela reservoir have caused water levels to rise alarmingly, posing a significant threat to the Gurupriya bridge which is said to be the lifeline of Swabhiman Anchal. The chances of the bridge getting submerged cannot be avoided if water levels don’t recede within hours.
According to sources, Balimela reservoir’s water level has reached 1514.1 feet, just two feet below the bridge’s guarder. At the current rate of influx, water levels are expected to surpass the maximum capacity of 1516 feet within 24 hours.
Also, this alarming situation has put the nearby primary healthcare centre at risk of flooding, disrupting essential health services to the local population.
Meanwhile, residents of nearby villages have voiced concerns that if the water level continues to rise, the local healthcare centre will be inundated, and nearby houses will be flooded, posing a significant threat to their livelihoods.
That apart, the usually bustling Badadanda Road, also known as Grand Road, has been severely impacted by relentless rainfall over the past 48 hours. Devotees and locals alike are facing immense difficulties, wading through ankle-deep water to catch a glimpse of the revered Holy Trinity at the iconic Jagannath Temple.
Despite the inclement weather, devotees braved the waterlogged streets to offer prayers to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
