Bhubaneswar: As Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced massive development plan to transform Puri into a World Heritage City, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb has appealed to all devotees of Lord Jagannath to cooperate with the State Government’s initiatives for the development of the holy shrine and pilgrim city.
A day after Odisha Government announced an additional package of Rs 500 crore for the development of Puri, Deb, who is the first servitor of Lord Jagannath, on Saturday welcomed the move and appealed the devotees to cooperate the government in developing the 12th century shrine and also Puri town.
In a statement Gajapati Maharaja said, “We welcome the state government’s initiative. All should sincerely cooperate with the development plan for the temple and the holy town”.
Earlier on Friday, Chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced a Rs.500 crore package to develop Puri as a World Heritage city focusing on a range of modernization plans which included infra development, multi-lane road, bridges, multi-level parking, amenities, revival of Musa river, rehabilitation of the affected in security zone, renovation of lakes and Matha.
Naveen had earlier announced various projects for Puri at an estimated cost of Rs.265 crore under ABADHA scheme.
Deb said that all developmental activities should be undertaken in accordance with the spirit of Puri’s great spiritual, religious and cultural heritage along with traditions.
Gajapati Maharaja also expressed optimistic on the smooth implementation of the developmental plan initiated by the state government.