Tourist inflow at hotspots triggers virus spread fear

Bhubaneswar: Despite restrictions, imposed by the state government on gatherings, tourists from different states continued to visit popular destinations like Konark Sun Temple and

Puri

beach recently.Though the number of visitors was less than what was recorded in December 2021, locals feared that the violation of Covid-19 guidelines by tourists may lead to the further spread of the virus. They urged the authorities concerned to ensure strict monitoring and enforcement of Covid-19 protocols.“We booked our trip to Odisha early in January and hoped not to cancel it. We feel safe to travel. We could not travel for the past two years and don’t know how long the third wave will continue. We are following all Covid-19 guidelines and are fully vaccinated,” said

Sarad Sharma

, a tourist from Nasik, Maharashtra. On Monday, on Poush Purnima,

Sagar Aarti

was performed on the Puri beach in presence of Puri Sankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati, Puri king Dibyasingha Deba, Odisha governor Ganeshi Lal, senior BJP leader Uma Bharti and several monks and devotees. Total 108 earthen lamps were lighted on the beach and vedic mantras were chanted.