As a key intervention for pilgrims and tourists, the State Government is making arrangements for low-cost as well as free accommodation for at least 1.5 lakh people during the ensuing Nabakalebar at Puri.
At least 20 lakh square feet area is to be developed for temporary accommodation at 19 places in and around Puri town, said ACS (Finance) Balakrishnan while reviewing the arrangements. Balakrishnan is in charge of tourist amenities for the Nabakalebar.
At Talabania, a temporary accommodation in four lakh square feet is being put in place, which is the largest one, while at Nagapatana at least three lakh square feet would be available.
Camps at Sipasarubali, Mangalghat and sea beach area four lakh square feet area would be there for accommodation. In front of BNR Chanakya, at least one lakh fifty thousand and at Digabarani Camp housing facility for one lakh square feet area would be available.
All these 19 places would have fan and light arrangements for every 150 square feet area and toilet facilities for every 25 persons. Special toilet facilities for physically-challenged persons would be provided in the camps.
CCTVs, security arrangements, cleanliness, medical facilities and 24-hour generator would be placed in the camps. Grocery Shops with gas cylinders, safe drinking water would be ensured in every accommodation.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for management of accommodation would be in place so that there would be no problems in handling such a huge crowd, said a senior official.