Puri: Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra visited the pilgrim town of Puri on Saturday and reviewed progress of different ongoing development and beautification works.
Soon after reaching the seaside town, the Chief Secretary first visited Swargadwar to see the development and beautification works at the cremation ground, considered the ‘Gateway to Heaven’.
Speaking to media, Mahapatra said there are 28 ‘pindis’ in Swargadwar where pyres can be lit for cremating as many bodies at a time at present. It is sufficient for now as 70 to 80 bodies are cremated daily at Swargadwar where facilities like restaurant, washing room, etc are available, he said, adding It can be expanded whenever need arises.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the progress of Shree Mandir Parikrama Project and expressed the confidence that it will be completed much before Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra this year. “Work is progressing well and the heritage corridor project is likely to be completed in around three months, much before Rath Yatra this year,” he said.
While work for the heritage corridor project is being done expeditiously, Khondalite stone is being used for cladding of all structures that are being erected. Floor is also being prepared with Khondalite stone slabs in sync with the the style and décor of the 12th century shrine, Mahapatra said.
Trees will be planted in sufficient numbers as part of the project for pilgrims to take rest and meditate, Mahapatra said. “People will have a very nice view of the temple from all sides when the project is complete,” he said.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Puri Collector Samarth Verma and other senior officials during his visit to different project sites for review.
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