Bhubaneswar: In a bid to transform Puri, the adobe of Lord Jagannath, into a ‘world heritage city’, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a major infra development package of Rs 500 crore with emphasis on revival of water bodies, connectivity and tourist facilities.
Patnaik also appealed to the people staying in the vicinity of the 12th century shrine to sacrifice their land and allow removal of structures up to 75 metres from the Meghanad Pacheri (Security zone) for ensuring safety of the shrine from terror threat.
The Chief Minister said the Mutts coming under security zone will be redefined with a focus on conservation of ancient artefacts of them.
The projects include construction of Shree Setu to connect Malatipatapur with Jagannath Ballav mutt, infrastructure development of the mutt, a multi-lane road, beatification and illumination of historic Atharnala and development of a lake on 28 acres land.
The proposed Shree Setu Project will be new-link road connectivity from Puri bypass from Malatipatpur to Jagannath Ballav Mutt. It will be built at a cost of Rs 190 crore. This 1.5 Km. iconic link will be connected by a Trumpet Bridge which is called Shree Setu Project.
It was also decided to develop the Jagannath Ballav Mutt as an attractive pilgrim centre with multi-level car parking, amenities, commercial and meditation space and multi-modal hub at a cost of Rs 180-crore.
The Chief Minister also gave his nod for a proposal of revival of Musa river. As per the plan, the river will be revived and connected to Mangala river. A total of Rs 85 crore will be spent for the purpose.
Focus will be given on restoring natural ecology, recreational activities at river edge and network of lakes, the meeting decided.
It was further decided that Atharnala will developed as an iconic pedestrian heritage bridge with the support of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Many heritage lakes of Puri such as Sweta Ganga, Markanda, Narendra and Indradyumna will also be renovated.
The Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to complete all these projects in two years.
Under ABADHA programme, Rs 256 crore was already allotted for infrastructure development in Puri recently.
