By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/PURI: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a massive financial package of Rs 500 crore for the restoration and renovation of heritage city of Puri, the place of Lord Jagannath. The Chief Minister has directed to complete all the projects in two years. The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation will take the responsibility of these projects.
Earlier this month, the CM approved five welfare projects to the tune of Rs 265 crore for Puri Town.The Chief Minister Patnaik appealed people to cooperate with the State Government in this endeavour.
Officials said the package will cover new link road connectivity from Puri bypass from Malatipatpur to Jagganath Ballav Matha at a cost of Rs.190 crore. This 1.5 km iconic link will be connected by a Trumpet Bridge (Shree Setu Project).
The Jagganath Ballav Matha will be developed as an attractive pilgrim centre with multi-level car parking, amenities, commercial and meditation space and multi-modal hub at a cost of Rs.180 crore.Musa river will be revived and connected to Mangala river at a cost of Rs.85 crore. Focus will be on restoring natural ecology, recreational activities at river edge, green wage and network o lakes.
Atharnala will be developed as an iconic pedestrian heritage bridge with the support of ASI. A lake will be developed on 28 acres of land at a cost of Rs.35 crore.All mutts coming under security zone of Srimandir will be relocated and redefined.
Shops and houses coming under the security zone will be shifted. In addition, the Government will provide house and shop to the affected. Many heritage lakes of Puri such as Sweta Ganga, Markanda, Narendra and Indradyumna will be renovated and heritage sites will be preserved.
