CEPT University of Ahemdabad has come up with a modern tourist hub plan for the Puri-Konark tourism-cum-pilgrimage circuit and more such solutions for the Puri-Konark area in the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) which was presented before Tourism Minister Maheswar Mohanty on Tuesday.
CEPT had bagged the project for preparing the CDP of the Konark-Puri area that spans an area 377 kms in 2009. The CDP is being prepared keeping population growth in the district by 2030 in view. Besides Puri and Konark, 131 revenue villages under Astarang, Konark, Gop, Brahmagiri, Puri Sadar and Kakatpur have been included in the CDP.
A contingent plan for the Nabakalebara festival of the Trinity has also been incorporated in the report by the University. The report speaks about construction of bus stands, multi-storey parking lots, market complexes and pilgrim centres to accommodate 10,000 persons. It also proposes an eco-village model in an area of 100 acres along the Puri-Konark Marine Drive road near Ramchandi temple for the tourists.
The CDP report has emphasised on widening of city roads and construction of footpaths along all the important roads in Puri and streamlining drainage and sewerage work. Security of visitors and pilgrims also figure in the report.
While the report advocates for a strong building regulation Act to curb illegal constructions, it also suggests plantation of mangroves along the beach to prevent soil erosion. The CDP would be executed in four phases at an estimated cost of over Rs 147 crore.
The meeting called for suggestions and objections from intelligentsia. Collector NK Nayak and officials of Puri-Konark Development Corporation attended. After incorporating suggestions, the report would be sent to State Government for approval.