Govt to go ahead with Puri, Lingaraj projects
Bhubaneswar: Despite the austerity measures undertaken by the state government to tide over the economic slowdown triggered by a raging pandemic, sources said it has decided to push forward with the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme that aims to transform Puri into a world-class heritage city.
While tendering process for two projects – the municipal market complex and multi-storied car parking at Jail road – has already been completed and agreement signed, another tender for four different projects are in an advanced stage.
“One single tender has been floated for four projects – Shree Setu project, Musa river revival plan, Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre and Mahodadhi market complex. The cost of the projects would be more than Rs 400 crore. Friday (August 14) is the last date for receiving technical bids. We expect the tendering process to be over by September-end,” said a senior government official. The government has earmarked Rs 695 crore in the state budget for ABADHA scheme.
The Shree Setu Project is aimed at decongesting the pilgrim town by linking National Highway-316 (Puri bypass) to the Grand Road through a trumpet bridge. While the Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre will be developed with features like multi-level car parking, tourist amenities, commercial space, meditation centre and multi-modal hub, the Musa river revival plan is to connect the Musa river with Mangala river through a network of lakes.
Work on the heritage security corridor project around the Jagannath Temple, stalled due to the pandemic, will also start very soon. The draft design of the heritage corridor, to be developed around the 12th century temple premises (Meghanada Pacheri) has already been prepared.
As a number of residential units as well as structures like shops, lodges and mutts were demolished, the state cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to provide 6.61 acres of land to the displaced families at the resettlement colony at Mangalaghat. The government will also remit stamp duty and registration fee for transfer of the land.
Works department sources said the Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action (EKAMRA) plan will also continue as usual despite resource crunch. Under the EKAMRA plan, the state government has envisioned to develop nearly 66 acres of land surrounding Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar. Budgetary provision of Rs 150 crore has been made for the project for the 2020-21 financial year.
While Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation is acquiring land for the project, a New Delhi-based architecture firm is preparing the draft design, which is expected to be ready soon.