Puri Heritage Corridor Project

In News

• The Odisha government is expected to soon lay the foundation stone of the Puri heritage corridor, which is being developed at a cost of Rs 800 crore.

What is the Puri Heritage Corridor Project?

• Conceived in 2016, the Puri Heritage Corridor Project was unveiled in December 2019 to transform the holy town of Puri into an international place of heritage.
  • Heritage corridor to be divided into nine zones.
• The project includes redeveloping major portions of the holy town and in the vicinity of the Jagannath temple for visitors and tourists.
  • The project will include Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) building redevelopment, a 600-capacity Srimandir reception centre, Jagannath cultural centre including Raghunandan library.

Significance

• Odia sentiments: It will touch upon the spiritual side of the citizens invoking the ‘odia sentiments’.
  • The greatest identity of the Odia community is Lord Jagannath. He is the symbol of Odia esteem and pride.
• Prayer of millions of devotees: Visiting the Jagannath Temple once in a lifetime and getting a glimpse of the Lord is the only prayer of millions of devotees.
• Fine architecture: It is a marvel in itself as its fine architecture, sculptures and history covers the history of the State for centuries.
• Political motive: The constant push towards temple beautification and infrastructural development also points at a strategy to face the increasing presence of the BJP in the state which focuses on religious and cultural spheres.
• Enlist shrine in UNESCO World Heritage list: The Puri Vikash Parishad has urged UNESCO to enlist the 12th century shrine in its World Heritage list as it fulfils all parameters.
  • The 65-metre high shrine is  a true reflection of Kalinga art, sculpture and culture and is one of the four dhamas (holy places) of Hindu religion.

Source: IE