As part of his Government’s plan to make Puri a world heritage city, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a package of Rs 500 crore to undertake huge infrastructure and beautification programmes in the holy town.
Modernisation plans such as multi-lane roads, flyover bridges, multi- level parking systems, amenities for devotees of Lord Jagannath, revival of the Musa River, rehabilitation of affected families in security zone, renovation of existing lakes and creation of a new lake and renovation of mutts have been included in the package.
Notably, Patnaik had recently announced various projects worth Rs 265 crore for Puri under the ABADHA scheme.
Chairing a meeting at the Lok Seva Bhawan here, the Chief Minister said infrastructure development is crucial to make Puri an attractive world heritage city. Considering the present security environment, it is highly essential to strengthen the security features of the Shree Jagannath Temple, he said.
Stating that security of the Shreemandir in the changing circumstances is crucial and cannot be compromised at any cost, Patnaik appealed to the people of Puri city to consider temple security as a service to Lord Jagannath and cooperate in the initiatives of the Government.
As per the decisions, a new link road connectivity from Puri bypass at Malatipatpur to the Jagganath Ballabh Mutt would come at a cost of Rs 190 crore. For this, a 1.5-km ‘Shree Setu’ would be constructed.
The Jagganath Ballabh Mutt will be developed as an attractive pilgrim centre with a multi-level car parking
system, amenities, commercial spaces, a large meditation hall and a multi-modal hub. For these, Rs 180 crore has been allocated.
The Musa river will be revived and connected to the Mangala river at a cost of
Rs 85 crore. Focus would be given on restoring natural ecology, recreational activities at river edge, green wage and network of lakes.
The sacred Atharnala would be developed as an iconic pedestrian heritage bridge with the support of ASI.
A lake would be developed on 28 acres of land at a cost of Rs 35 crore.
As mutts have traditional links with the rituals of the Jatannath Temple, the Government has decided to renovate and develop mutts coming under security zone. The CM stressed on the conservation of ancient artifacts of the mutts.
The shops and houses coming under security zone will be shifted. In addition to the rehabilitation package, the Government will provide house and shop to the affected.
Many heritage lakes of Puri such as Sweta Ganga, Markandey Puskarini, Narendra Pushkarini and Indradyumna Pond will be renovated and heritage sites will be preserved.
The Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to complete all these projects in two years.
The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) will take the responsibility of these projects.
Among others, Law Minister Pratap Jena, Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy, Development Commissioner Suresh Mahapatra, DGP BK Sharma, Secretaries of Finance, Law and Works Departments and SJTA Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar and Puri district Collector Balwant Singh were present.
