Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday thanked the people of Puri residing around the Shree Jagannath Temple for providing their land and ‘unprecedented’ support for protection of the shrine.
In a statement, the Chief Minister informed that residents have already handed over 75 per cent of their land that came within the 75-metre radius of the temple in the sale-purchase process during the last 40 days.
“On the Janmashtami this year, I had requested you to cooperate with the Government for safety of the Shreemandir. Lord Jagannath is our past, present and future. I am very obliged that you have sacrificed your homestead land, business establishments, hotels and lodgings for the lord. The Odia people will remember for ages for this noble sacrifice of yours,” said the Chief Minister.
He also mentioned that Shree Jagannath is the pride of all Odias. He protected the dignity of Odias during the Kanchi Abhiyan. “Your sacrifices have made the Jagannath culture more alive,” said he.
He too thanked district administration officials and police personnel for undertaking the work (eviction and renovation) continuously even on holidays. Reiterating that his Government is committed to making Puri a world heritage site, Patnaik sought all support from residents of Puri in future.
