India, July 30 -- Devotees have been barred from visiting the famous Shaivite shrine, Dhabaleswar Temple, in Athagarh of Cuttack district for the next 48 hours following a rise in Mahanadi's water level, prompting the administration to impose safety restrictions on Thursday.
According to official sources, the ban came into effect from 4.00 PM today and will remain in force until 4.00 PM on August 1. The restriction includes the closure of the concrete bridge connecting Mancheswar village to the temple, which is situated on an island in the middle of the Mahanadi.
The Athagarh administration said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of devotees amid the prevailing flood situation and increasing river flow....