Odisha: Cremation At Swargadwar Restricted To People From Puri District Only

Puri: The district administration today decided to temporarily ban cremation for people from all 29 districts of Odisha other than Puri. The decision was taken in the wake of rising cases of COVID-19 in Odisha.

“Taking into account the current situation of the spread of COVID-19 we have to take this decision. Whether the person who passes away is COVID-19 positive, or the family members accompanying are infected or not, there are many possibilities,” said Collector Balwant Singh.

Chances of infection rises when people from all across the State come and congregate at Swargdwar for cremation. He added that it was not an easy decision to make given the religious sentiments of people of Odisha connected to Swargadwar.

He however urged people to cooperate with the district administration and make this sacrifice for their own safety and the well-being of their family members. “Once the situation normalises, the orders will be relaxed and people can come to Swargadwar and Mahodadhi for performing last rites,” Singh added.