Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has made a significant announcement on the occasion of the holy Rath Yatra, declaring that Puri will be upgraded to a Municipal Corporation, henceforth known as Puri Mahanagara Nigam. This development aims to enhance facilities for devotees and tourists visiting the spiritual city.
Key Highlights of the Announcement:
- Municipal Corporation Upgrade: Puri Municipality will be converted into a metropolitan municipality, encompassing Puri city and surrounding village panchayats, including around 7-8 village panchayats of Puri Sadar and Brahmagiri block.
- World-Class Infrastructure: A world-class Shree Jagannath Museum, library, and research centre will be established in Puri to promote the culture, legends, and history of Shri Jagannath.
- Open-Air Theatre: An open-air theatre with an auditorium will be built to showcase Odia heritage and propagate the spiritual significance of Jagannath.
- Improved Citizen Facilities: The upgrade is expected to bring about a significant positive change in citizen facilities, services, and overall development in Puri.
- Target by 2036: The government has set a goal to make Puri a major religious and tourist destination in the country by 2036, with a focus on building and maintaining new projects.
This development is part of the government's efforts to improve infrastructure and services in Puri, catering to the needs of lakhs of devotees who visit the city throughout the year. The CM emphasized that a prosperous Odisha is impossible without a beautiful, green, and developed Puri city.