1.53 acre to be acquired for Swargadwar expansion in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Puri, Mar 18:

In view of crowd and growing number bodies cremated at Swargadwar in Puri, the district administration is all set to acquire 1.53 acre for expansion of the cremation ground in the pilgrim city.

This was decided at a civic body meeting in Puri yesterday.

As per the decisions at the meeting, the civic body in Puri will not intervene into proposed expansion work of the cremation ground; rather the district collector’s decision will be executed. People can lodge their grievances to the district collector about the problems to be occurred due to the project.

All the necessary facilities will be made available at Swargadwar, the transformer will also be replaced from the ground. Sitting arrangement will be made for the families and relatives of deceased at the ground. Around Rs 1 crore will be spent for the expansion project of Swargadwar, sources said.

Puri Konark Development Authority (PKDA) has been handed over the responsibility for land acquisition for the expansion of Swargadwar. Notably, some influential people have been opposing the decision. It was discussed at the meeting.

According to the district administration’s proposal, 1.53 acre land will be acquired close to Swargadwar from private parties for which Rs 94,42,17,355 has been allocated. The proposal was given nod on January 9.