Latest news with #PuriMunicipality
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Time of India
CM announces infra revamp for Puri to turn it into world-class tourism hub
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Aiming to transform Puri into a world-class religious tourism destination and provide better amenities for residents, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday unveiled plans for a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade of the pilgrim town. Elevating Puri from municipality to a municipal corporation, Majhi announced a world-class Shri Jagannath Museum, library and research centre in the beach town, which has a population of around 4 lakh. Coinciding with the ongoing nine-day Rath Yatra festival, Majhi emphasised the need to enhance Puri's appeal beyond its iconic Jagannath Temple and scenic beaches. "To develop any tourist spot, the primary rule is how to make a tourist spend more time there, which leads to more spending," he said, highlighting the current lack of entertainment and tourist attractions in Puri beyond the 12th century shrine and sea beach. T by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 새로 나온 "실손보험" 최적가 비교가입! "월 보험료 줄이고, 보장은 실속있게"... 굿리치 [등록번호:제2006038313호] 가입하기 Undo he proposed museum and library complex will be dedicated to Jagannath culture, offering an extensive collection of books and an e-library facility. The complex will showcase the rich culture and history of Lord Jagannath, featuring mythological significance, historical events and the emotional bond between devotees and the deity through various artworks, miniature sculptures and pattachitra paintings. An auditorium with a seating capacity of around 300 will host daily light and sound shows in multiple languages, while an open-air stage will provide a platform for cultural programmes by state artists and institutions. "The project will strengthen and enrich Jagannath culture, tradition and literature, providing an excellent opportunity for thousands of tourists visiting Puri Jagannath Dham to spend quality time," Majhi remarked, expressing confidence that the initiative will secure Puri a distinct place on the tourism map. In addition to the infrastructure upgrade, the CM announced the launch of a digital donation system to facilitate offerings to Lord Jagannath. The new system, introduced on the 10th anniversary of Digital India initiative, will allow devotees to make offerings using a QR code displayed on the temple's website and at various locations in Puri. "The primary objective is not to collect more donations, but to fulfil the devotees' sense of dedication to the Lord," Majhi said, noting the system will enable devotees to pay homage to the Lord from their homes, especially during significant events like Rath Yatra. The CM said the decision to upgrade Puri into a municipal corporation aims to enhance the quality of basic amenities for both residents and millions of devotees who visit annually. "I have personally observed that the current Puri Municipality has not been able to meet the expectations of both the devotees and residents. To achieve this goal, reforms in the local self-governance system are necessary," he said, while justifying the elevation into a corporation. The new Puri Municipal Corporation will include around seven to eight panchayats from Puri Sadar and Brahmagiri blocks, allowing these areas to benefit from city-like amenities. "The process for the transformation is set to begin immediately," he said. With this, Puri has become the sixth municipal corporation in Odisha after Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Berhampur and Rourkela. Majhi reiterated the govt's commitment to developing Puri as a premier religious and tourist destination by 2036. "A prosperous Odisha cannot be envisioned without a beautiful, green, and developed Puri city," he added, highlighting the govt's vision for the future.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Time of India
Cops step up patrolling on beaches in Puri district
1 2 Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the gang rape of a 20-year-old woman at Gopalpur beach in Ganjam on Sunday, Puri police have stepped up patrolling across beaches in the district. "The beach stretches in Puri town, Chandrabhaga-Konark and Astaranga have been put under enhanced surveillance," said SP (Puri) Vinit Agrawal. The heightened security measures have coincided with the upcoming Rath Yatra, which is expected to attract lakhs of visitors to Puri. "We have increased our presence by deploying additional patrol personnel on beaches throughout the district. Working with Puri Municipality, we have enhanced illumination," Agrawal told TOI. He said that police stations have been instructed to increase foot patrolling in secluded areas during evening hours. Police have taken the assistance of lifeguards and local communities to prevent beach-related crimes. "Beach crime is not alarming. Stray incidents of theft and snatching are reported. We arrested some thieves recently," said an officer of Sea Beach police station. "Areas near Shri Jagannath Sanskrit University, Sterling and Puri-Konark marine drive remain isolated, creating safety issues that require night-time foot patrolling. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Urologists: What 90% Of Men With ED Don't Know (Start Doing This) Health Paradise Learn More Undo Previous incidents include tourist-targeted harassment, snatching and theft," said Srimanta Kumar Dash, president of India-Japan Friendship Centre, an organisation promoting Puri tourism. Debasis Kumar, vice-president of Hotel Association of Puri, advised tourists against visiting isolated beaches after sunset. "Puri beach is completely safe. It is always better to stroll and sit on beaches with people around," Kumar said, adding, "The Blue Flag beach is the most sought after due to various safety features." Visitors have requested CCTV installation along the beach. "We do not find any surveillance cameras on the beach. Cameras these days are considered as security multiplier," said Krishna Banerjee, a tourist from Howrah. Official sources said that in 2012, the district administration installed beach CCTV cameras. The devices were later removed following opposition from certain local groups concerned about privacy of bathers. Previous attacks on foreign visitors in isolated beach areas in Puri have been reported. A Russian couple was assaulted on the beach near Chakratirtha Road on Dec 23, 2011, while a Czech tourist was attacked while walking with his wife and friend on May 17, 2010. On Jan 18, 2010, a 28-year-old Russian woman sustained injuries in a knife attack at a deserted section on Baliapanda beach.
