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Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Rath Yatra deaths put his govt in a spot, Odisha CM says ‘Puri municipality unable to meet aspirations of devotees'
Under Opposition fire over the Rath Yatra arrangements in Puri and the stampede outside the Gundicha Temple which claimed three lives, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Friday announced a series of measures for the temple town and set the ball rolling for 'reforms in the civic administration system'. A day before the Bahuda Yatra (return festival), CM Majhi said that the Puri town, now a municipality, will be upgraded as a municipal corporation (greater civic body) to ensure better urban amenities for the people coming to the town. 'I personally feel that the Puri Municipality is not able to stand up to the aspirations of lakhs of devotees coming to the town and the residents of Puri. There is a need for reforms in the civic administration system and to introduce a new system. Hence, our government has decided to develop Puri as a municipal corporation by merging around seven to eight gram panchayats near the town,' Majhi said. The process to start the upgradation of Puri town was announced immediately by the government. Puri, one of the four dhams (seats) in Hinduism, is home to over six lakh people and attracts thousands of devotees from across the country and globally. The chief minister also announced the setting up of Shri Jagannath Museum, Library and Culture Research Centre in Puri for propagation of Jagannath culture. Majhi underlined that no effort was made in the past seven decades to popularise the Jagannath culture and historical significance associated with it and make Puri a better tourism centre. 'Our government has a target to develop Puri as a major tourism and pilgrimage centre in the country,' Majhi said. Facing criticism over poor crowd management during Gundicha Yatra on June 27, delay in pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath and the stampede, the Majhi government's announcement is seen as an attempt to showcase its commitment for the temple town, which has always been the focus of successive governments because of its religious significance. The previous Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government, in its fifth and last term, had announced a raft of measures for Puri, including the ambitious Parikrama Project around the 12th century Jagannath Temple. For smooth and hassle-free conduct of Bahuda Yatra of the deities on Saturday, the state administration has been put on high alert. Senior officers, made in-charges to oversee Rath Yatra-related issues, have been camping in the temple town over the past few days. 'Whatever arrangements are required for Bahuda Yatra have been made accordingly. I urge the people coming to Puri to adhere to the advisories issued by the administration,' said Director General of Police Y B Khurania. Police sources said massive security and traffic arrangements are also in place for the Suna Besha (golden attire of the deities) on Sunday, a ritual of the Rath Yatra that attracts the highest number of people.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Puri upgrade to align it with modern tourism principles
Bhubaneswar: The announcement by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi to upgrade Puri municipality into a municipal corporation and revamp the tourist infrastructure marks a crucial turning point for Odisha's premier tourist destination. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This long-overdue development comes at a time when the holy city faces increasing competition from emerging tourist destinations. Despite being one of Hinduism's char dhams and home to the revered Jagannath Temple, Puri's tourism infrastructure remained largely underdeveloped. As CM Majhi himself pointed out, visitors to Puri currently have limited options, primarily the Jagannath Temple and the beach, lacking additional entertainment or tourist attractions that could extend their stay. "Beyond these, there are no entertainment or tourist attractions to spend time," he said. The proposed transformation includes establishing a world-class Shri Jagannath Museum, Library, and Research Centre within a single complex. This development aligns with modern tourism principles that emphasise prolonged visitor engagement and increased economic benefits for the destination. Renowned sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo emphasises the inadequacy of current amenities in Puri compared to international tourism hubs like Singapore. He advocates for the expansion and diversification of tourist activities while maintaining the city's religious significance. The city with less than four lakh population hosts millions. The facilities have to be proportionate, he said. The competitive landscape is evolving rapidly. Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik highlights the potential threat from West Bengal's newly inaugurated Digha temple, which offers modern amenities and could emerge as an alternative destination. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This underscores the urgency for Puri's infrastructure upgrade. JK Mohanty, chairman of the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO), views the expansion as crucial for accommodating future growth in tourist footfall. Hotelier Deboo Patnaik emphasises the need for long-term planning, suggesting that Puri must modernise while preserving its historical and spiritual essence. The upgrade to municipal corporation status could potentially transform Puri's tourism landscape. However, the challenge lies in striking a balance between modern amenities and the city's traditional character. The success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation and sustainable development practices that respect both tourist needs and local heritage, experts said. This transformation could position Puri as a competitive tourist destination while maintaining its spiritual significance, potentially setting a model for other religious tourism destinations in India, they said.
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.
