Puri upgrade to align it with modern tourism principles
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This long-overdue development comes at a time when the holy city faces increasing competition from emerging tourist destinations.
Despite being one of Hinduism's char dhams and home to the revered Jagannath Temple, Puri's tourism infrastructure remained largely underdeveloped. As CM Majhi himself pointed out, visitors to Puri currently have limited options, primarily the Jagannath Temple and the beach, lacking additional entertainment or tourist attractions that could extend their stay.
"Beyond these, there are no entertainment or tourist attractions to spend time," he said.
The proposed transformation includes establishing a world-class Shri Jagannath Museum, Library, and Research Centre within a single complex. This development aligns with modern tourism principles that emphasise prolonged visitor engagement and increased economic benefits for the destination.
Renowned sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo emphasises the inadequacy of current amenities in Puri compared to international tourism hubs like Singapore.
He advocates for the expansion and diversification of tourist activities while maintaining the city's religious significance. The city with less than four lakh population hosts millions. The facilities have to be proportionate, he said.
The competitive landscape is evolving rapidly. Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik highlights the potential threat from West Bengal's newly inaugurated Digha temple, which offers modern amenities and could emerge as an alternative destination.
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This underscores the urgency for Puri's infrastructure upgrade.
JK Mohanty, chairman of the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO), views the expansion as crucial for accommodating future growth in tourist footfall. Hotelier Deboo Patnaik emphasises the need for long-term planning, suggesting that Puri must modernise while preserving its historical and spiritual essence.
The upgrade to municipal corporation status could potentially transform Puri's tourism landscape. However, the challenge lies in striking a balance between modern amenities and the city's traditional character. The success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation and sustainable development practices that respect both tourist needs and local heritage, experts said.
This transformation could position Puri as a competitive tourist destination while maintaining its spiritual significance, potentially setting a model for other religious tourism destinations in India, they said.
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