Vijayawada: Devotees urged to follow Covid protocols during Bhavani Deeksha Viramana

Vijayawada: Krishna district Collector Md Imtiaz on Thursday that Covid protocol must be followed during the Bhavani Deeksha Virmana to be held at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy temple atop Indrakeeladri from January 5 to 10.

He said wearing mask is must for the devotees visiting the temple. They will be subject to thermal screening at the temple for the Bhavani Deeksha relinquishment.

He conducted a review meeting with the officials of various departments at the camp office on conducting annual Deekhsa Viramana.

Later, speaking to the media, the Collector said that only 10,000 devotees will be allowed into the temple for the Deeksha Viramana as per the Covid protocol. He said sensitisation will be made frequently in the queues and physical distance will be maintained during the Deeksha Viramana.

About two lakh devotees from various parts of the State are expected to attend the Deeksha Viramana. Imtiaz made it clear that people over 60 years of age and children below 10 years of age will not be allowed into the temple. He said the devotees can book tickets online by login to www.kanakadurgamma.org .

He said people are cautious about the second wave of Covid and the cases of strain new virus are reported in some parts of Telangana and AP. He said the district administration was able to control the spread of Coronavirus during Dasara celebrations due to the collective efforts of various departments.

He appealed to officials to work in coordination again during the Bhavani Deeksha Viramana. Stating that five free medical camps will be set up during the six-day Viramana, he asked the officials of the Energy department to ensure 24-hour uninterrupted power supply. He asked the R& B department to install barricades to maintain queues.

VMC Commissioner Prasanna Venkatesh said that the civic body will arrange drinking water and maintain sanitation during the six-day relinquishment.

Temple Executive Officer MV Suresh Babu added that the devotees must buy tickets online or can download from the app. He said prasadam will be arranged on the counters for the convenience of devotees. Suresh Babu said 190 makeshift toilets are arranged and 750 sanitation workers will work to ensure hygiene in and around the temple.

He said Giri Pradakshina, tonsuring and bathing at Krishna ghat were prohibited this year due to Covid.

Joint Collector K Madhavi Latha, Sub Collector HM Dhyana Chandra, DCP Vikranth Patil and other officials attended the review meeting.