Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday felicitated 11 persons for voluntarily vacating their properties for making Puri a world heritage city.
In a programme held at the Loka Seva Bhawan here, Patnaik presented silver filigree idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra idols to the 11 persons.
“I am very happy that you accepted my appeal and gave away your lands for Shreemandir security. People of Odisha will be indebted to you for this,” Patnaik said.
“Your sacrifice will add a new history in the service of Lord Jagannath. The future generations of Odisha will remember your sacrifice,” he said.
Patnaik pointed out that the State Government is offering a good package for the affected people. “As many as 11 families have accepted the offer. I urge others also to avail the benefits of the offer and cooperate in strengthening the security of the Lord Jagannath temple,” he added.
Notably, the Government has launched a demolition drive around the Jagannath Temple to free it from encroachments. Besides, unsafe structures, including mutts, have been razed in view of the security of the shrine.
