Bhubaneswar: Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari on Monday urged outstation tourists to leave Puri by Tuesday afternoon in view of the impending cyclone. He also advised officials to restrict entry of people in Puri from Tuesday.
“To ensure their safety, we would request outstation tourists to return to their homes before the cyclone hits the coast.As per IMD forecast, Puri district will be affected by the possible cyclone and heavy rain. High tide and strong winds are also likely to blow in the coastal districts,” said Pujari.
Puri, a major tourist destination and pilgrim town, attracts thousands of visitors from across the state and country daily. The Puri district administration has been asked to open a 24X7 control room to deal with disaster-related issues. Red flags have been posted along the beaches preventing tourists from going near the shore while lifeguards are on alert as the sea has started to become rough.
For the safety of habisyalis — elderly women and devotees who come to Puri to observe Kartik Brata — the district administration will ensure basic amenities, official sources said.
Deputy chief minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the tourism portfolio, asked Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) to take care of guests residing in Pantha Niwas and other OTDC properties. “During the cyclone, OTDC will ensure basic amenities for tourists in line with ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ policy of the govt,” Parida said.
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