TV
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) announced on Thursday that a six-lane ramp facility will be arranged at the Srimandir in Puri for differently-abled individuals and senior citizens.
The move is aimed at facilitating smooth and hassle-free darshan to senior and divyang devotees at the 12th-century shrine.
The proposed arrangements followed an urgent meeting between the temple administration and senior OBCC (Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation) to discuss various developmental programs to be undertaken at the Srimandir.
The Chief Administrator of the SJTA, Arabinda Padhee reviewed the progress of the proposed darshan arrangements at the Jagannath Temple’s Nata Mandap based on recommendations from the Management Committee and the Chhatisha Nijog.
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During the meeting, Padhee also urged the OBCC to expedite the completion of the project in consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the temple's technical committee.
He assured that the temple administration would extend all necessary assistance to the OBCC during the implementation phase for the timely completion of the project.
Notably, the OBCC is tasked with the Shree Mandira Parikrama Project (SMPP) which includes the making of a corridor of 75 m width around the Meghanada Pacheri of the Jagannath Temple, a multi-level car parking facility linked to NH via Shree Setu, improved access to the Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre with a 2.3 km 4-lane road bridge, welcome gate, and viewpoints, among other projects.
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Incidentally, in October, the OBCC was tasked with the installation of ramps and collapsible barricades under the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme.
Construction of the same is slated to begin soon, for which the urgent meeting was convened.
