The State Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krishna Chandra Mohapatra has made a big announcement in the field of infrastructure development of the holy shrine of Puri. With the aim of developing Puri as a major destination for conferences, cultural programs, exhibitions and large public gatherings, a modern multi-purpose conference center with a capacity of 1000 seats will be built there.
The Minister made this announcement on the sidelines of the state-level urban public relations program organized by the department under the theme “Public Participation for Developed Odisha: Empowered Citizens – Convivial Cities – Sustainable Urban Future”.
The proposed project has been designed as a place to host all the modern facilities and various events. National and international conferences, educational and professional seminars, cultural festivals, government programs and social gatherings can be organized here. It is expected that this project will fulfill the long-awaited need of a large and modern auditorium in Puri.
Underlining the unique identity of Puri as one of the most sacred places in India and a major global tourist destination, Dr. Mohapatra said that the convention center will play a major role in meeting the growing needs of the city and strengthening urban infrastructure and public amenities. The Minister has directed the Commissioner of Puri Municipal Corporation to initiate the administrative formalities and preliminary preparatory work required for the early implementation of the project on priority.
The Minister further informed that the state government is preparing a comprehensive roadmap for creating such multi-purpose infrastructure in various municipalities of Odisha in a phased manner. This initiative will strengthen urban amenities, promote community cohesion and meet the needs of the rapidly growing urban population.
The public representatives, citizens and various stakeholders present at the function welcomed the announcement and expressed their views that the proposed convention center will bring a paradigm shift in the landscape of the shrine. Once completed, this project will emerge as a major public welfare infrastructure, further enhancing the cultural, spiritual and tourism glory of Puri. It will also be instrumental in realizing Odisha’s vision of sustainable, inclusive and citizen-centric urban development.
