Puri heritage city projects will have to be completed within stipulated timelines after Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi warned officials that delays, negligence and irregularities would not be tolerated. The directive covers initiatives linked to the Jagannath temple, roads, tourism infrastructure, heritage sites, vendors and the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport.
Majhi issued the warning while reviewing the progress of key development and infrastructure projects at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. According to the chief minister’s office, he called for the expeditious and time-bound completion of tourism and pilgrim-centric works intended to transform Puri into a world-class heritage city.
The projects under review include works connected with the Jagannath temple and Gundicha temple, the proposed airport, the Jagannath interpretation centre and the Raghunandan library. Development of prominent temples and heritage sites in the Satyabadi and Kakatpur blocks was also discussed.
“The chief minister made it clear that any negligence, delay or irregularity in project implementation will not be tolerated. Officials of all departments have been directed to personally monitor works and ensure their completion within stipulated timelines,” the CMO said.
The review also produced a decision to undertake the comprehensive development of Gundicha temple, including the complete renovation of its kitchen used for preparing Mahaprasad. The chief minister also directed officials to expedite the rehabilitation of roadside vendors displaced from the Grand Road and relocate them near the Shree Setu area at the earliest.
The vendor relocation directive places rehabilitation alongside the city’s heritage and tourism works. The CMO’s account did not provide a deadline for the relocation or details of the facilities planned at the proposed site. It identified the Shree Setu area as the location where the displaced vendors are to be moved.
Other projects discussed at the meeting included reconstruction of a heritage bridge near the historic Atharanala gateway, redevelopment of Annapurna theatre, beautification of Puri beach, improved management of the Sagar Aarti ritual and comprehensive development of Swargadwar.
Connectivity was another focus of the review. Discussions covered the widening of the Puri-Brahmagiri, Puri-Konark and Puri-Bhubaneswar roads. The chief minister’s office said the proposed road improvements are intended to strengthen connectivity and support the city’s growing tourism needs.
Majhi said the government was taking necessary steps to preserve Lord Jagannath’s cultural legacy and safeguard the interests and welfare of servitors. The CMO said officials from all departments had been instructed to monitor the works personally and complete them within the prescribed timelines.
