Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to expedite key infrastructure, heritage conservation and tourism projects in Puri, stressing that no negligence or delay in their implementation will be tolerated.
At a high-level review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of several projects aimed at transforming Puri into a world-class heritage and tourism destination while preserving the rituals of Lord Jagannath and safeguarding the interests of servitors and local residents.
Majhi directed officials to expedite the Sri Jagannath International Airport, reconstruction of the Raghunandan Library and establishment of the Sri Jagannath Interpretation Centre. The meeting also discussed a new amusement park, comprehensive development of Sri Gundicha Temple and construction of a new kitchen for Mahaprasad preparation.
He ordered the immediate rehabilitation of street vendors removed from the Grand Road (Bada Danda) near Srimandir, with relocation to the area around Sri Setu.
The Chief Minister also reviewed plans for the development of Gopaljiu Temple at Sakhigopal, Atibadi Jagannath Das’s Satalahadi Math, other prominent Maths in Puri and Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur. The restoration of Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya on the traditional Gurukul model and rejuvenation of Bakulaban were among the projects discussed.
Other key initiatives include reconstruction of a heritage bridge near Atharanala, redevelopment of Annapurna Theatre, beautification of Puri beach and comprehensive improvement of Swargadwar. Arrangements for the Sandhya Arati and Lord Jagannath’s Sagar Bije ritual also came up for review.
The meeting further examined road-widening projects connecting Puri with Brahmagiri, Konark and Bhubaneswar, along with developments relating to Sri Jagannath Medical College, Blue Flag Beach, Astaranga Port and Konark Temple.
Emphasising Puri’s significance as Odisha’s cultural identity and a major centre of faith for devotees worldwide, Majhi said development must meet world-class standards while taking into account the needs and livelihoods of local servitors, traders and residents. He stressed that the benefits of government schemes must reach ordinary people.
The Chief Minister directed departmental officials, district collectors and superintendents of police to personally monitor projects at the field level and ensure completion within stipulated timelines. He called for coordinated efforts to ensure that development initiatives translate into tangible social, economic and cultural benefits for the people of Puri.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, Puri District Magistrate Dibyajyoti Parida and Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh attended the meeting and briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of the projects.
