Srimandir Heritage: Road widening starts, admin optimistic of people’s support

In order to make the Srimandir Heritage Project more convenient and accessible, the Puri district administration has started pulling its socks up. The process of widening of the road that goes from the Lion’s Gate to the beach, Swargadwar and Lokanath temple has already started. 

Officials in presence of the District Collector on Thursday carried out measurement of the road. Meanwhile, discussions have been held with local residents seeking their cooperation in the survey required for widening of the road. 

Informing about the need for widening of the road, Puri Collector Samarth Verma said, “Tourists in large number visit Puri city. At the same time, the city is struggling with traffic problems. If the roads are widened, local people and tourists would immensely be benefitted.”

“Today we have had discussions with local people regarding the survey to be carried out for land acquisition. People are optimistic,” said Verma. 

“After discussions and deliberations, we will have to find out such a way that it would cause no traffic problem and people would face no problem to part with their lands. If we rehabilitate the to-be displaced people suitably, they will agreeably give away their lands,” added Verma.  

Notably, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb had laid the foundation stone of the corridor project on November 24, 2021. 

The construction work hit rough weather when citizens filed PILs with Orissa High Court alleging the project might pose threat to the Jagannath Temple.