Puri, Oct 15 [UDN}: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of various development initiatives and infrastructure projects in Puri district, emphasising the need to accelerate ongoing works while prioritising the needs of local residents, servitors and pilgrims.
Highlighting Puri’s significance as the centre of Odisha’s cultural identity, spiritual heritage and religious faith, the Chief Minister stressed that development activities in the holy city must be undertaken with due consideration for its historical, cultural and religious importance, alongside the everyday needs of its people.
During the review meeting, progress on several major projects was discussed, including the proposed Shri Jagannath International Airport, Raghunandan Library, construction of a new kitchen at Shri Gundicha Temple, the heritage restoration and development of Atharanala Bridge, and the beautification of Satalahadi Math and Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur.
The meeting also focused on the restoration of Satyabadi Banavidyalaya and Bakula Bana, improvement and beautification of the beach area, and the construction of major roads to strengthen connectivity to important religious, cultural and tourist destinations across the district.
The Chief Minister underscored the importance of expediting these projects to improve public amenities, strengthen tourism infrastructure, preserve Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and enhance the overall experience of residents and visitors to Puri. He emphasised that development must proceed in a coordinated manner, ensuring that infrastructure expansion goes hand in hand with heritage conservation and public convenience.
Another important issue discussed was the rehabilitation of street vendors who were removed from Bada Danda, the Grand Road leading to the Shree Jagannath Temple. The Chief Minister stressed the need to relocate these vendors near Shree Setu so that they can resume their livelihoods in an organised manner while maintaining the cleanliness, accessibility and smooth movement of people along the Grand Road.
He also called for effective field-level monitoring and regular supervision to ensure that all projects progress according to schedule and are completed within their stipulated deadlines. Timely execution, accountability and coordination among the departments concerned were highlighted as essential factors in achieving the intended development objectives.
The review reflects the state government’s emphasis on accelerating infrastructure development in Puri while safeguarding its religious and cultural identity. With major projects relating to connectivity, heritage restoration, tourism, public facilities and livelihood rehabilitation receiving attention, the government aims to strengthen Puri’s position as one of Odisha’s most important spiritual and tourism destinations while ensuring that local communities benefit from the development process.
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