Bhubaneswar: Odisha Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Sunday announced that the sale of meat and liquor will be strictly prohibited within a 2-kilometre radius of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The move is part of the state government’s broader initiative to preserve the sanctity of the holy town and develop it as a dedicated pilgrim destination.
“A ban will be enforced on the sale of meat and liquor within a 2 km radius of the Jagannath Temple. This provision will be formally included in the upcoming excise policy,” said Minister Harichandan while speaking to media persons.
Elaborating on plans for the city’s transformation, the minister said the government has initiated preliminary work to ensure that all structures along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) conform to a uniform architectural design.
“Buildings along the Bada Danda will follow a common structure in terms of height and façade, to give Puri a coherent and culturally reflective appearance befitting its status as a pilgrim city,” he said.
Harichandan further noted that while the development will be implemented in phases, especially considering the presence of privately owned buildings, the objective is to provide the entire stretch with a uniform and aesthetically consistent look.
“We are moving ahead with a vision to redesign Puri as a spiritual and heritage city, aligning with its religious significance,” he added.
The minister emphasised that the government is committed to balancing development with tradition, ensuring that the heritage and sanctity of the temple town are upheld through policy and planning.
