Odisha CM writes to PM Modi, proposes for Int’l Airport in Puri
The state Government has already identified land at Puri for the proposed airport and will proactively support all activities required for establishing the airport in a record time, the CM mentions.
Puri: In a significant development that would give a boost to the state’s tourism, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommending him to establish an international airport at Puri in the name of Sri Jagannath International Airport.
Mentioning that land has already been identified in the pilgrim town, the CM said state Government will proactively support all activities required for establishment of the airport in a record time.
He urged the PM to direct the Ministry of Civil Aviation to take up the proposed airport as a priority project.
Highlighting relevance of the heritage site, the CM said the Holy city of Puri, abode of Lord Jagannath, is among the four Dhams of Hindu Dharma. Hindus, from all over the world, visit the centuries-old temple. Besides, the Sun Temple of Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 35
km away from Puri and the adjacent Ramachandi-Chandrabhaga beaches provide a unique experience to national and international tourists.
“Puri is organically linked to two Ramsar Sites- Chilka Lake (India’s first Ramsar site and UNESCO World Heritage site) on one side and Bhitarkanika National Park on other side. Both these locations have huge potential for international eco-tourism. Puri beach has been recently transformed into a Blue Flag beach with world-class experience for the tourists. Most of the historic Buddhist Heritage sites like Dhauli, Ratnagiri, etc with travel time within three hours from Puri, attract Buddhist pilgrims from across the world,” he added.
Patnaik further highlighted that the long coastline and adjoining bay area near Puri are an ideal location for promoting new world economic activities, leisure and hospitality, health and spiritual centres.
“The coastal highway passes through this area and connects the Paradeep Port (114 km away) and the greenfield Astarang Port (60km away). There is great potential for economic synergy along the entire corridor. We believe that Puri has potential to become a hub for spiritual, tourism and economic activities,” he mentioned.
The CM also said Rath Yatra of Puri is a world-famous annual event attracting lakhs of pilgrims and visitors from across the world. The chariot festival is celebrated across 192 countries. The proposed airport will help bring Jagannath devotees from across the world to Puri and will help promote Jagannath culture across the world, he added.
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