Odisha Plans New ABADHA-Like Scheme for Puri Development

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Odisha plans a new initiative modelled on the existing ABADHA scheme for Puri.
Future projects under the proposed initiative would be brought under the scheme, according to Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
Infrastructure, pilgrim facilities and Lord Jagannath’s cultural heritage are among the stated priorities.

Puri: The Odisha government plans to introduce a new development initiative modelled on the existing ABADHA scheme to improve infrastructure, strengthen facilities for pilgrims and promote Lord Jagannath’s cultural heritage in Puri.

Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced the proposal on Friday, saying future development projects undertaken under the initiative would be brought within the scheme.

Speaking to reporters, Harichandan said the government intended to transform Puri into a well-developed and beautiful city, with particular attention to projects associated with the Shree Jagannath Temple.

“We are going to introduce an initiative similar to the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme. All future projects undertaken under this initiative will be brought under the same scheme,” he said.

New initiative to cover future development projects

The proposed programme is expected to provide a framework for future development work in the temple town.

According to Harichandan, the government’s priorities include improving public infrastructure, making pilgrimages more convenient and promoting the cultural and spiritual significance of Lord Jagannath.

The minister said work on several projects had already started and that the government would focus on their successful implementation.

However, the announcement did not specify the proposed scheme’s budget, launch date or detailed implementation timeline.

How the existing ABADHA scheme supports Puri

The existing Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme was launched by the Odisha government in the 2017-18 financial year.

The programme aims to improve basic amenities and develop the heritage and architecture of Puri, home to the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple.

The state-sponsored scheme seeks to develop the temple town into a world-class heritage and spiritual pilgrimage destination.

The proposed new initiative would follow a similar development approach, according to the minister’s announcement. Further details will be needed to establish how its scope and implementation arrangements will differ from the existing programme.

Focus on pilgrims and Jagannath culture

Puri attracts devotees because of the religious significance of the Shree Jagannath Temple. Improving infrastructure and facilities for visitors is therefore a central part of the government’s stated development priorities.