1. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to inaugurate the Sri Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor on January 17.
2. Inauguration precedes Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir consecration ceremony.
3. Jagannath Mandir in Puri is one of the four dhams recommended for Hindu pilgrimage.
Puri, Jan 09: Odisha’s highly anticipated Sri Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor project is set to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on January 17, just days before the consecration ceremony of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir.
This heritage corridor holds immense significance as the Jagannath Mandir in Puri is one of the four dhams every Hindu is encouraged to visit.
Project Cost and Timeline
The Sri Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor project, with an estimated cost of Rs 3,700 crore, is nearing completion, with the finishing touches underway.
The project encompasses various sub-projects, including the redevelopment of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration building, a 600-capacity Srimandir reception center, and the Jagannath Cultural Center.
Additionally, it includes the Badadanda heritage streetscape, beachfront development, Puri Lake, and the Musa River revival plan. The entire project is expected to be finalized later this week.
Land Acquisition and Development Progress
Initiated in November 2019, the land acquisition for the Sri Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor gained momentum as the state government focused on creating a security zone around the temple.
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Over 600 people voluntarily relinquished 15.64 acres of land for the project. To facilitate the development, the government allocated nearly Rs 400 crore for the relocation of locals and shops, impacting around 1600 street vendors.
Key Features of the Heritage Corridor
The primary objective of the Sri Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor project is to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings of the revered Jagannath Temple. The corridor includes facilities designed to provide comfort to pilgrims and devotees, offering resting areas and various public amenities such as drinking water facilities, toilets, and a cloakroom.
The comprehensive approach to the Sri Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor not only focuses on the physical development of the area but also emphasizes the cultural and historical significance associated with the temple.
As the project reaches its culmination, it stands as a testament to the commitment of the Odisha government to preserve and enhance the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
