Puri, the sacred temple town, is set to become Odisha’s sixth municipal corporation. The state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, approved the upgrade to improve urban governance and civic services. This historic decision lifts Puri from its current municipality status to a corporation, bringing it in line with major urban centres in Odisha.
This move is a proactive step to manage the rapid increase in pilgrim and tourist traffic. Puri, famous for the Jagannath Temple and Rath Yatra, draws millions annually. Upgrading the civic body will help streamline services like water supply, sanitation, and infrastructure development. As the sixth municipal corporation, Puri is now set to receive better funding, planning powers, and administrative autonomy.
CM Majhi approves upgrade ahead of Bahuda Yatra
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi announced the approval ahead of the annual Bahuda Yatra, when devotees return after Lord Jagannath’s journey. This timely announcement signals the government’s intention to prepare for the surge in visitors.
Majhi stated the upgrade will help the local administration and municipal staff manage crowd control and services during peak pilgrimage seasons. The approval ahead of Bahuda Yatra is a strategic move to ensure cleanliness, safety, and seamless coordination between district authorities and civic bodies.
Inclusion of 7–8 panchayats around Puri city
As part of the upgrade, the corporation limits will include 7–8 panchayats surrounding Puri town. These rural villages will be merged into the urban local body, reflecting urban expansion and the need for cohesive planning.
Inclusion of these panchayats will allow for unified waste management, public transport, and road maintenance. It will also help bring better healthcare, street lighting, and water supply to newly included areas. The merged areas will benefit from increased budgets and professional governance that come with the status of a sixth municipal corporation.
Move aims to boost tourist infrastructure & services
The primary goal behind upgrading Puri is to boost its status as a tourism and pilgrimage hub. Upgrading it to the sixth municipal corporation will allow for:
- Better management of pilgrim inflow with improved parking, traffic systems, and pedestrian zones.
- Enhanced public facilities like clean toilets, drinking water stations, and emergency services.
- Strengthened infrastructure: roads, drainage, and waste disposal systems aligned with global standards.
- Professional administration and planning with more powers to enact city-level development laws.
Experts believe the move will make Puri a model for other small- to mid-sized sacred towns. With the new governance structure, the city can attract investment in hospitality, heritage conservation, and smart-city elements, while preserving the spiritual charm of Jagannath culture.
Conclusion: A transformative step for Puri
Puri’s elevation to Odisha’s sixth municipal corporation marks a defining moment in its urban history. By merging surrounding villages and enhancing its administrative capacity, it is gearing up for sustainable growth. With improved infrastructure, civic services, and tourism amenities, the city is prepared to handle higher pilgrim traffic, especially during festivals like Bahuda Yatra.
This decision signals a broader vision: to transform Puri into a well-planned urban centre, while retaining its religious and cultural heritage. The shift to corporation status will undoubtedly bring better governance, stronger infrastructure, and a brighter future for Puri’s residents and visitors alike.
This article contain sources from The Indiamn express.
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