Puri: The first glimpses of transformation of the Badadanda are clearly visible on the ground. Colourful lights with well decorated open spaces welcomed the pilgrims to the temple of Lord Jagannath. A never seen development of the peripheral areas has been well appreciated by the locals as well as the pilgrims coming from outside the state. This transformation, a pet project of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, is the first phase and more development is yet to come in the future. This has been possible only due to the active involvement of the district administration and the real-time supervision of V K Pandian, Secretary, 5T Initiatives.
The transformation is the manifestation of the Chief Minister’s wish to develop Puri into one of the World Heritage Cities. Along with the extravagant lighting arrangements, magnificent decorations, soul soothing ambiance and spiritually energising spaciousness, all facilities are being ramped up. The barricade system has been successful in crowd management and the biggest shed erected in front of the Singhadwara has helped people keep away from the cold.
On the eve of new year more than 7 lakh people visited the temple of Lord Jagannath and there were special arrangements for hassle free Darshan of the Lord. For the first time in the known history of the temple, such transformation has been initiated.
This positive transformation shows that where there is a will, there is a way out. And the Government of Odisha has undertaken an effort that was due for many decades. With this Puri can reinvent itself and compete with other heritage cities of the country.
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