Bhubaneswar: After receiving criticism from Puri Sankaracharya and other different sections of people, the State Government has restricted opening of proposed beach shacks in Puri beach and near other religious places in the State.
In its new Excise Policy for 2024-25, the BJP Government had allowed opening of beach shacks near different water bodies such as rivers, lakes and dams, apart from sea beaches, for the purpose of tourism promotions. The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) has also invited applications for the operation of shacks in six major beaches of the state, official sources said.
Now, after receiving strong criticism, the government has dropped the plan and the Excise Department said no licences will be granted for beach shacks within the jurisdiction of Puri municipality or within 5km of any site of socio-religious or cultural significance.“Therefore, it is proposed to issue a clarification to the effect that beach shacks will not be allowed in the jurisdiction of Puri Municipality as well as within 5 kms of such other places of socio-religious-cultural significance in other parts of Odisha.
Such other places may be decided by the government after due deliberations,” the Excise Department said in an official communications.Notably, Opposing the move, Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati said Jagannath Dham should remain a place for spiritual pursuits and religious activities rather than amusement.
He argued that serving liquor would undermine the spiritual sanctity of Puri and tarnish the Jagannath culture.”Jagannath Dham is the place for spiritual pursuit and soul-searching and not for amusement. Puri beach should be a place devoted to bhajan, kirtan and religious discourses.
It should not serve as a destination for pleasure-seeking,” the Shankaracharya told reporters on September 11.Protesters also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi through the Puri Collector opposing any such move.