PONDA: Most of the famous temples in Goa including Kavlem Shantadurga Temple and Mahalasa Temple in Mardol have displayed notices, restricting the entry of tourists from March 19 till March 31, in view of the lockdown mode across the State.
These are preventive measures to curb the spread of coronavirus and even other temple committees such as that of the Mangeshi Temple, are likely to take similar decisions.
Locals point out that the number of tourists has already decreased in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Many of them are dependent on the tourism activity. Flower vendors, shopkeepers point out that the situation is so bad that they are finding it hard to sell even a handful of items. Pointing out that thousands of tourists usually visit every day, they are anxious about how they will survive.
Shantadurga Temple Committee Secretary informed that they have taken a note of the government guidelines for safety and thus have taken this decision. It was clarified that during this period, the temple will remain open and the priests will perform their regular rituals connected to the deity. However, devotees are advised not to visit the temple unless necessary. Further, the priests were advised to keep a safe distance from the devotees. Booking of rooms, canteen and other facilities will also remain closed.
Likewise, at the Mahalasa Temple, the notice displayed at the entrance, informs devotees to quarantine themselves for a minimum of fifteen days, if they have recently travelled to any of areas affected by coronavirus.
