Cuttack: There is some good news regarding the Dhabaleswar Jatra for the devotees. The Cuttack admininistration has decided to facilitate the devotees with a virtual darshan and puja by installing a LED near the suspension bridge.
Speaking to media persons, Cuttack district collector, Bhabani Shankar Chayani, said “After examining the bridge with other officials, we have concluded that it is not in good shape and need repairs. That is the main reason behind the clamping of Section 144 here. But as the devotees wish to offer their prayers during the five days of ‘Panchuka’, we have decided to install a LED for a virtual mode of worship for them.”
“I have also directed Sub-Collector Hemant Ku Swain to make necessary arrangements for the makeshift shops and ‘bhoga’ for the tourists and devotees. The barricading will be taken care by the police administration,” he added.
Notably, Gujarat’s Morbi bridge collapse on Sunday evening where more than 140 people died was a wake-up call for Odisha government. The suspension bridge over Mahanadi river in Dhabaleswar in Cuttack district was closed for one day (Tuesday) to carry out repair works. It also prompted the administration to cancel the age-old Dhabaleswar Jatra this year.
The suspension bridge connecting Dhabaleswar Shiva shrine on an island in Mahanadi river in Athagarh of Cuttack district was constructed in 2006.
