Bhubaneswar: After launching a massive development and beautification programme for world famous Jaganath Temple, the Odisha chief minister has announced a plan for development of Puri Swargadwar (crematorium).
Patnaik Friday has announced a Rs 5 crore project which will be implemented with the cooperation of Phoenix Foundation.
The chief minister said that the Puri Swargadwar development project would be completed in six months time.
Presiding over a review meeting Patnaik said that the Puri Swargadwar was badly affected by the cyclone Fani and required refurbishment. Stating that the State government has decided to have an integrated development of the holy Hindu crematorium, the chief minister said infrastructure would be put in place to provide all modern facilities for carrying out last rituals of deceased persons. Rest shed for pall bearers would be provided in the Swaragadwar, he added.
Referring to the Samadhi Sthali of Biju Patnaik inside the Swargadwar, the chief minister said that the place would now be developed for the service of the Odisha people.
Describing the Swargadwar as a holy place of faith, he sought the cooperation of the Odisha people in developing the place into a modern crematorium.
Panchayariti Raj minister Pratap Jena, sports minister Tushara Behera, development commissioner Suresh Chandra Mohapatra were present on the occasion.
