The district administration engaged in preparation of Rath Yatra
on a war footing was found alert over a surge of Covid cases in some
parts of country. Since there is a possibility of massive footfalls of
pilgrims from other States, the administration was in a tizzy over
management of the religious congestion when active Covid cases still
reported in the country.
With a surge of cases, talks are doing the rounds in some sections
that the State Government might clamp a restriction yet again like
2020 and 2021 if the situation so warrants. Even many have suggested
imposing a ban on entry of people to the Grand Road during the Rath
Yatra on safety ground.
However, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra told The Pioneer
that Rath Yatra would be held this year. Asked over a restriction on
pilgrims in view of surge in Covid cases in some States, he cleared
that the Government would take a final call according to the situation
then.
“Covid rise is limited to Maharashtra and New Delhi only with
neighbouring Telangana and other States remaining safe now,” told
Mahapatra who hoped for a hassle-free Car Festival.