Flood Fury: Cuttack Administration Closes River Ghats, Restricts Access to Dhabaleswar Temple

Bhubaneswar: In view of the rising water level and strong currents in the Mahanadi River, the Cuttack district administration has imposed a series of emergency restrictions across vulnerable riverbank areas for the next 48 hours to ensure public safety.

As part of the precautionary measures, devotees have been barred from collecting holy water at Gadagadia Ghat, a major destination for Kanwariya pilgrims during the holy month of Shravan. Pilgrims have also been advised to postpone their visit to the Dhabaleswar Temple until conditions improve. The restrictions will remain in force until August 3, officials said.

The administration has also prohibited public entry to all ghats located along the Mahanadi and its tributaries. Activities such as bathing, swimming, boating, taking selfies, and visiting barrage areas have been banned until further orders due to the risk posed by the swollen river.

To prevent accidents, authorities have restricted public movement and gatherings at Baliyatra Ground and warned people against standing on bridges, barrages, or embankments to watch the floodwaters or capture photographs and videos. These areas will remain accessible only to emergency personnel and officials involved in flood response operations.

Meanwhile, fishermen have been directed to stay away from the river until the situation normalises. Residents of low-lying and flood-prone areas have also been advised to move their cattle and other livestock to safer locations on higher ground.

The district administration has appealed to the public to strictly follow the restrictions and cooperate with authorities, emphasizing that the measures have been taken to prevent any loss of life as the flood situation continues to remain critical.