A release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Sunday stated that the devotees from across the state are expected to participate in the inauguration programme of Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa (heritage corridor project).

The programme has been organised for the devotees to celebrate in an atmosphere of devotion and piety. For the convenience of the people, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has declared January 17 as a government holiday.

All government offices and educational institutions including schools and colleges will remain closed on the day, the release stated.

The Chief Minister is scheduled to attend the inauguration of the heritage corridor project.

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.

During a visit to the Pilgrim Town on the day, Pandian reviewed the progress of the heritage corridor works with the officials of the project.

During the review meeting, he suggested preservation of all small temples and restoration of the mutts in the area under project. He also asked them to speed up the landscaping on three sides of the temple wall, electrification and sanitation works and effluent treatment plant in time.

Reviewing the arrangements for the devotees, Pandian stressed on hassle-free darshan for them. He directed to keep all the approaching roads to the temple free of encroachment and provide parking space for two-wheelers of the servitors.

MLA Pranab Prakash Das, Puri collector and SP, OBCC MD and officials of the executing agencies of the project accompanied Pandian during his visit.