Bhubaneswar: VK Pandian, Secretary to Odisha Chief Minister (5T), visited Puri Shri Jagannath Temple early in the morning on Friday and reviewed the progress of the work of Shri Jagannath Parikrama Prakalpa.
He made field visits to different project sites at crack of the dawn from 4:00 a.m. and continued his on-field review till 7:00 a.m.
During the review, the Secretary (5T) directed officials and agencies to complete the iconic Parikrama Project by December 2023.
The following decisions were taken at the review:
- Adequate arrangements for parking of two-wheelers will be made for commuters and servitors.
- Special attention will be given to keeping the outer access road and keep it free from encroachments.
- The Matha re-development work was reviewed. It was decided to expedite the works involving all stakeholders and keeping in mind the history and heritage of these Mathas.
- Special focus should be given to landscaping works using plant varieties that are in tune with the heritage of Shri Jagannath temple.
- STP works will be expedited.
- Electrical substation work to be completed at the earliest.
- TATA project was instructed to engage more manpower during the night hours to complete the work in a time-bound manner.
- Prime importance should be given to ensuring the best experience for thousands of devotees who visit the temple every day along with quality and timely completion of the works.
The progress of work at Jagannath Ballav Parking Centre and Shree Setu were also reviewed along with parking facilities and provision of basic amenities for the devotees.
The agency constructing the Shree Setu work and JBPC were instructed to complete the project in time so that the devotees coming to Puri get a better feeling from the ensuing New Year.
During Pandian’s review visit, Principal Secretary of the Works Dept, Puri Collector, Puri SP, OBCC MD, executants of the above works, and other officials were present.