Biju Patnaik’s memorial to be removed from Swargadwar in Odisha’s Puri

Bhubaneswar: Memorial of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik at Swargadwar in Puri town will be removed, informed BJD leader Sanjay Kumar Das Burma today.

“The memorial will be removed from Swargadwar while the plaque will remain. The Swargadwar will be completely dedicated for the service of people,” said Das Burma at a press meet after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today sanctioned Rs 5 crore for the development of Swargadwar.

Earlier in 2015, a row had emerged over the memorial as five persons from Puri  had moved a local court opposing the construction of the memorial. The court had directed the Puri Municipality to remove the structure. Later, municipal authorities had challenged the lower court’s order in the court of Puri District Judge. The higher court had then stayed the order of the lower court.

Worth mentioning, Swargadwar is all set to get a major facelift as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik sanctioned Rs 5 crore for its development in the first phase. Under the project, modern facilities will be made available for cremation and pallbearers at Swargadwar, which was ravaged by cyclone FANI. This apart, facilitation of the cremation process during all seasons will be ensured.

Construction of restrooms for pallbearers, afforestation, facilities for collection and conservation of mortal remains will be a part of the project. The CM has directed to complete the work within six months.