Heritage corridor project: Puri Srimandir may get a second boundary wall

The 12th-century shrine of Lord Jagannath in Puri may soon see a new boundary wall.  

According to Prabhat Panigrahy, the Superintendent Engineer in the Srimandir Heritage Corridor project, plans are afoot to lay a continuous stretch of wall barricade running around the temple for better segregation of the amenities and other facilities designed around the shrine. 

As per the plan, the area of the 75-metre radius from Jagannath Temple wall, the Meghanad Pacheri has been divided into two zones with a boundary wall separating the 55-metre interior area and the 20 metre zone from outer axis. 

A sample barricade structure designed for laying of the wall will be initially studied by engineers and other experts. Once approved, each of the pieces of barricade made from khondalite stones and making 5-ft height and around 8 to 9 feet in length will be placed all around the temple. 

If necessary, special craft works featuring Odisha's rich culture and tradition will be displayed on the proposed wall structure. 

A buffer zone will be created between the 55-metre area of the proposed new wall and the old Meghanad Pacheri of the temple. It will have an inner Pradakshina, outer Pradakshina and all amenities for public convenience like toilets, shelter pavilion, mini cloak room, information kiosks. 

In the outer 20 metre area of the proposed new wall, facilities will be rolled out to provide hassle-free electric vehicle mobility to people. 

Zebra crossings will be created between sahis (localities) and the barricades will be opened at such points to allow seamless entry and exit of local residents into the temple.