New Delhi: In a big development, the Home Ministry has given its nod for construction of chariots at Ratha Khala (workshop for chariot construction) in Puri.
In a letter to Odisha Chief Secretary, MHA stated that “the activity of Ratha construction is allowed to be undertaken in the Ratha-khala, which is situated on both sides of the Grand Road in front of the Temple Office and Sri Nahar be immediately permitted”.
The MHA however set few conditions as well that include
a) No religious congregation takes place in the Ratha-khala. Complete segregation of Ratha-khala should be ensured.
b) The new guidelines on lockdown measures issued by MHA on 1 May 2020, including the National Directives for Covid-19 Management should be compulsorily adhered to.
However, the decisions regarding holding of Ratha Yatra be taken by the State Government keeping in view the conditions prevailing at that point of time.