Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to accelerate a range of infrastructure and heritage projects in Puri, warning that delays, negligence or irregularities in their execution will not be tolerated.
Majhi reviewed the progress of key development projects at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Monday. The review covered initiatives connected with the Jagannath temple, Gundicha temple, the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport, the Jagannath interpretation centre, Raghunandan library and several temples and heritage sites in Satyabadi and Kakatpur blocks.
According to the chief minister’s office, officials from all concerned departments have been instructed to personally monitor the works and ensure that they are completed within stipulated timelines. The projects are part of the state’s plan to transform Puri into a world-class heritage city, with a focus on pilgrims, tourists and the preservation of the city’s cultural legacy.
“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 resulted in a decision to undertake the comprehensive development of Gundicha temple. This will include the complete renovation of its kitchen, which is used for the preparation of Mahaprasad. Majhi also directed officials to speed up the rehabilitation of roadside vendors who were displaced from the Grand Road and relocate them near the Shree Setu area at the earliest.
The vendor relocation direction places an ongoing livelihood issue alongside the city’s larger redevelopment programme. The Grand Road is a major pilgrimage and public-realm corridor in Puri, while the proposed relocation near Shree Setu is intended to provide a new site for affected vendors, according to the CMO’s account of the meeting.
Other projects discussed during the review included the 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.
The meeting also examined road connectivity around Puri. Discussions covered the widening of the Puri-Brahmagiri, Puri-Konark and Puri-Bhubaneswar roads. The state government said the proposed widening is intended to improve 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 did not provide project-wise completion dates or details of funding in the statement on the review. Officials have been directed to monitor implementation and complete the works within their stipulated timelines.
