By Our Correspondent
PURI/BHUBANESWAR: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday made a field visit to a proposed site identified by the Odisha government for construction of a guest house for accommodation of West Bengal tourists visiting 12th century old Shree Lord Jagannatha Temple in Puri.
The site is at Sipasarubali near the site earmarked for the Puri international airport.“I have seen the land identified for the guest house. I liked the land. New airport is also coming here and a bridge will also be constructed here. So, it will be one of the best locations in Puri,” the Chief Minister told reporters.
A large number of tourists from West Bengal are visiting Puri at least five times a year. Sometimes, like Rath Yatra and long holiday periods, they are unable to get proper accommodation here. So, it will help them, she said.
Asked about the agenda behind her meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, she said: “I have met Naveenji earlier too. During the Hockey World Cup, I was invited. At that time, I told the Minister that I will meet the CM whenever I visit Odisha.”
“So, it is a courtesy meet and we will discuss developmental issues and about the proposed guesthouse,” she said.
Odisha Chief Secretary P.K. Jena said: “The West Bengal CM had requested the Odisha government to provide land for construction of a Niwas for West Bengal devotees and tourists in Puri. We have identified a parcel of land for construction of Bhawans by different States. We have shown her the land.” The details about land to be allocated will be decided during the meeting between the two Chief Ministers on Thursday, he said.
