Odisha CM to inaugurate Rs 8 bn Redevelopment Project in Puri

15 Jan 2024 CW Team

Commencing in 2019 with an Rs 8 billion budget, the project focused on constructing a 75-meter heritage corridor encircling the 12th-century Sri Jagannatha Temple. The immediate vicinity of the temple was previously congested with commercial and residential structures, along with 19 ancient 'mathas.' This congestion posed security risks and created difficulties for pilgrims navigating around the temple.

Following the completion of the parikrama, the temple precincts now exhibit a transformed appearance, featuring expansive open spaces. The parikrama incorporates a seven-meter wide green buffer zone safeguarding the outer temple walls, followed by a ten-meter wide inner 'pradakshina' path. The outer pradakshina encompasses landscape zones, pilgrim facilities, and emergency service lanes.

Approximately 4.88 acres of private land surrounding the temple were acquired, accompanied by generous compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement grants. Out of the total project cost, Rs 500 crore was allocated for compensating and resettling displaced residents, commercial establishments, lodges, and mathas.

Notably, Chief Minister Patnaik is set to inaugurate other development projects on January 17, including a 2.3-km long four-lane road connecting the national highway to the multi-level car parking lot in Puri. This infrastructure improvement facilitates direct access for pilgrims to the Bada Danda or Grand Road in front of the temple without traversing through the town.

The Parikrama project was spearheaded by V K Pandian, the chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha, recognised for his close association with the chief minister.

While the consecration of the Sri Ram Temple in Ayodhya garners national attention, another significant redevelopment initiative centered around the Sri Jagannatha Temple in Puri is poised for inauguration on January 17, led by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Commencing in 2019 with an Rs 8 billion budget, the project focused on constructing a 75-meter heritage corridor encircling the 12th-century Sri Jagannatha Temple. The immediate vicinity of the temple was previously congested with commercial and residential structures, along with 19 ancient 'mathas.' This congestion posed security risks and created difficulties for pilgrims navigating around the temple. Following the completion of the parikrama, the temple precincts now exhibit a transformed appearance, featuring expansive open spaces. The parikrama incorporates a seven-meter wide green buffer zone safeguarding the outer temple walls, followed by a ten-meter wide inner 'pradakshina' path. The outer pradakshina encompasses landscape zones, pilgrim facilities, and emergency service lanes. Approximately 4.88 acres of private land surrounding the temple were acquired, accompanied by generous compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement grants. Out of the total project cost, Rs 500 crore was allocated for compensating and resettling displaced residents, commercial establishments, lodges, and mathas. Notably, Chief Minister Patnaik is set to inaugurate other development projects on January 17, including a 2.3-km long four-lane road connecting the national highway to the multi-level car parking lot in Puri. This infrastructure improvement facilitates direct access for pilgrims to the Bada Danda or Grand Road in front of the temple without traversing through the town. The Parikrama project was spearheaded by V K Pandian, the chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha, recognised for his close association with the chief minister.

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