The Pioneer 21.10.2010
2 yrs on, State yet to okay Puri Grand Road model plan
PNS | PURI
The Puri Municipality has reportedly recommended a design concept plan model proposal of the Grand Road, claimed to be first of its kind by a local photojournalist, to the State Housing and Urban Development Department (U & UD Deptt).
Puri, the holy abode of Lord Jagannath, is one of the two towns of Odisha included in the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) by the Government of India in 2006.
A massive development of the Temple Town is on cards as 80 per cent of the funds will be borne by the Centre under the JNNURM project.
Attracted by the JNNURM scheme, local photojournalist Debi Prasanna Ganguly submitted a project to the Municipality, State and Union Governments for the development of the Grand Road.
Ganguly, son of Odia cine pioneer Sukumar Ganguly, laboured hard for nearly six months to prepare the model that depicts various aspects of development for the 3-km-long Grand Road popularly known Badadanda and where the three chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra are pulled along every year on Rath Yatra thronged by lakhs of devotees.
The local civic body has recommended Ganguly's model proposal to State H & UD Deptt for adoption in Puri Town under the JNNRUM scheme (vide letter No.3501 dt.14.5.08).
Ganguly is not an architect by profession, but his dream project for the development of Grand Road takes care of all aspects for an ideal tourist place.
Through his model he has suggested that Puri be declared "No Flying Zone" as vibration of the planes and choppers may damage the thirteenth-century Jagannath Temple. To reduce power consumption, he has suggested for use of solar energy for the street lights, movable and cute cabins fitted with solar lights be provided by the Municipality/Temple administration to the street vendors at a minimum cost.
The Grand Road should have footpaths on both sides for the pedestrians. Cabin-holders to be issued licence for 10 months in a year sparing two months for the Ratha Yatra. Each cabin will have its own number and should be brought under the group insurance scheme for the welfare their families.
Ganguly has also highlighted about the concept of amusement parks, sanitation, market complex with under-pass air-conditioned market, parking zone, police assistance booth, cloak room, first-aid centre by the Red Cross, supply of drinking water, toilets, shoe stand, information centre, pilgrim insurance, sewerage system, CC camera, road indicator, fitting of cow catcher in every lane connected with the Grand Road and novel inclusion of mosaic of flower pots dotting the Grand Road to lend an aesthetic touch.
He has reportedly displayed his model before both the State and Union authorities.
The then Puri SP Sanjeeb Panda on May 23, 2006 reportedly saw the model and commented that the traffic plan for the Grand Road was quite innovative. The model can certainly improve the thought of the intellectuals and town planners and hoped the town graduate to a model city in future.
"I am very much impressed with the innovative model, the concept is unique and economically viable. It should be brought to the notice of all the intelligentsia and each one should join hands to implement it as it would be helpful to one and all," said Tourist Officer SK Pattnaik.
In his comments on June 14, 2006, PKDA secretary PK Pattnaik has said that as a town planner he finds the model and concept developed by Ganguly worthwhile and wished his efforts bore fruit.
The model is perfectly matching with the growing scenario of tourism. It will also attract more tourists to boost the financial conditions of the people depending on tourism, said Environment Scientist and Consultant AK Sahoo.
On February 6, 2007 visited the house of Ganguly, saw and understood the concept for face- lifting of the Grand Road and it deserves to be popularised, the then EO Umasankar Sarangi had commented.
Undoubtedly a complete project, if the talent explored and the model project implemented, it will serve the mankind for a longer period to come, SSA DPC AV Nayak has remarked on June 20, 2007.
The concept is well-thought of, can bring visionary changes and attract both national and international tourists more. The idea can be made a reality by executing it through the Special Project Vehicle (SPV) with the help of Government and different corporate sectors, goes the comment of Director Town Planning, Odisha S Behera on June13, 2008.
"The concept developed by Ganguly is innovative. It has to be integrated to the overall structural plan and development plan of Puri City. Excellent effort," remarks PK Mohanty, MD (JNNURM), New Delhi. Early steps should be initiated by the Government for implementation of such a beautiful project for the larger interests of the State, citizens here have demanded.
