Bhubaneswar: The Parikrama (heritage corridor) project around Jagannath temple in Odisha’s Puri town will be completed by January 11, said Chief Secretary PK Jena on Friday.
Reviewing the project during a visit to Puri, Jena said after completion of all works, the project will be handed over the temple administration and the police department will take over the security of the area by January 14.
In order to facilitate the visitors, coming from different parts of the country and outside, to witness the inauguration of the Parikram project on January 17, arrangements will be made on the roof of the buildings on both sides of the Bada Danda (Grand Road).
“The district collector has already written to different mutts and owners of the buildings including Duduwala Dharmasala, Bagedia Dharmasala, State Bank of India, Radhaballav Mutt, Pratihar Nijo office and information centre at Singhadwar (Lions Gate),” he added.
The chief secretary further said the facilities for public convenience including drinking water supply and toilets will be completed in the project area before the inauguration. The entire town will be under security blanket to prevent any untoward incident.
For the vehicles that will come to the Pilgrim Town on the day, he said the new parking place at Samanga will be used.
Jena said Prachar Rath (promotional vehicles) will move in every panchayat in the district from Saturday. The process of collecting rice and betel nuts will also start for use during the rituals on the inauguration day.
Police ADG (Law and Order), Sanjay Kumar, who accompanied Jena, said adequate security measures will be taken for the visitors as well as the VIPs and hassle-free darshan for the devotees on the inauguration day.