Odisha CM Reviews Progress of Puri World Heritage City Project, Approves Three Major Projects

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the progress of the Puri World Heritage City project at the Lok Seva Bhawan here today and approved three vital projects in this regard.

The three projects that got CM’s approval are creation of Heritage Security Zone, modernization of Raghunandan Library and Housing project for the displaced people.

The Heritage Security Zone will be developed within the 75 meter distance within the Shree Jagannath Temple. It will play a great role in accommodation and preservation of idols of deities, plants and shrubs related to the Jagannath culture, art and artifacts and a place for offerings.

An expert panel will be setup to monitor the work on various disciplins such as Temple Architecture and Art, Heritage and Conservation Architecture, Art History, Arboriculture and Shree Jagannath Culture.

The Chief Minister also formally approved the project worth Rs 25 crore for reconstruction and modernization of Raghunandan Library of Emar Mutt. The proposed library will be constructed on the land where the matha was located.

Besides, a house project worth Rs 95 crore has been sanctioned for rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced. About 600 houses will be built on multiple locations within 1.5km of the temple complex. The project sites will be identified by District Administration in consultation with affected families, sources said.

Notably, the Chief Minister last month announced a special package worth Rs 500 crore for the development of Puri as a World Heritage city.
Earlier, the CM had also announced various projects worth Rs 265 crore for Puri in the first phase of the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme.

In the second phase of ABADHA scheme, the government will develop Shree Setu Project, Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre, renovation of Musa river, beautification of pons and development of Atharanala and mathas at the cost of Rs 595 crore. The layout and design for these projects have already been prepared and tender process will start soon to start the project works.