Bhubaneswar: The redevelopment work of Swargadwar crematorium project in Puri will be completed by March 2021, said an official on Saturday.
5T secretary V.K. Pandian on Saturday visited Puri and reviewed the progress of development of Swargadwar, Gosala for stray cattle and rehabilitation of beggars, said a statement from Chief Minister's office (CMO).
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Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, attracts a large number of pilgrims across the globe every year. It is also one amongst the four most sacred place of India (Char Dham).
Many people across the state usually prefer to perform the last rites of their near and dear ones at Swargadwar crematorium ground due to its mythological importance and links with Jagannath culture.
It is believed that this crematorium ground is the gateway to heaven.
After the devastating cyclone FANI, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had announced his commitment to develop Puri as a world heritage city. He has sanctioned Rs 5 crore for the Swargadwar project.
As part of the 5T initiative, a number of works have been started in this regard since then to give Puri its rightful place in the world tourism map. Redevelopment of Swargadwar constitutes an important part of the initiative, the statement said.
As an interim measure, shed and other facilities are being provided to people visiting Swargadwar for the cremation of their relatives.
To make the Badadanada clean, the stray cattle have also been shifted to Gosalas. 700 cattle have been shifted from Badadanda to Gosalas and another 400 will be shifted in the next one month.
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Funding for the next 5 years for feed and maintenance has been tied up from CMRF, the statement said.
Similarly, steps have also been taken for rehabilitation of beggars of Badadanda so that they can lead a respectful life.
(IANS)