Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has appointed five IAS probationers to help Puri Collector Balwant Singh for successful implementation of the Rs 500-crore heritage projects in Puri.
The young officers of 2018-batch – Suryavanshi Mayur Vikash, Kirtivasan V, Dr Subhankar Mohapatra, J Sonal and Bhubanesh Devdas Patil – were briefed by R Balkrishnan, Chief Advisor to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and 5T Secretary VK Pandian about the projects and their new responsibilities at the Lok Seva Bhavan here before they visited Puri.
Their prime duty will be to help the district administration to implement various development projects as announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to make Puri, the adobe of Lord Jagannath temple, a world-heritage city.
Amid the row over demolition in Puri, the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has already announced various developmental and beautification projects worth Rs 885 crore in three phases including development of the historic Jagannath Ballav Matha, in a bid to develop Puri into a world class heritage city.
While the Puri district administration has been clearing all structures within the 75-meter radius of the Meghanada Pacheri (Boundary wall) of Shree Jagannath Temple, roads will be developed in 15-meter area for smooth passage of devotees while the remaining 60-meter in all the four sides will be developed as heritage security zone, which will be developed in consultation with the expert committee to be represented by people from various walks.
Meanwhile, the State Government had announced rehabilitation package for the residents, commercial establishments, small vendors, hoteliers and religious institutions to be affected because of the ongoing demolition process around the 12th century shrine.
