Puri: Dr.Krishan Kumar, Chief Administrator Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) has said that Managing Committee of SJTA has approved Srimandir Heritage Corridor proposal.
The Managing Committee Chairman Gajapati Dibyasingha Dev chaired the Meeting in which the proposal was deliberated in a threadbare manner and it was approved, said Dr.Kumar after the meeting.
In fact the State Government of Odisha has taken several measures under its Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) Scheme for developing Puri as “World Class Heritage City”.
Key project under this scheme is development of Shree Jagannatha Heritage Corridor (SJHC) around Shree Jagannatha Temple at Puri.
The SJHC will be a 75-meter corridor. The intent of the project is to provide expansive, unobstructed corridors around the MeghanadaPacheri for giving an opportunity to devotees and pilgrims to have visual connect with the Temple, Neelchakra and MeghanadaPacheri.
SJHC also serves functions of providing amenities for pilgrims and for strengthening safety and security of the temple and for those visiting Shree Jagannatha Temple.
The proposal divides the heritage corridor into 9 layers: a green buffer surrounding the temple complex, the Antar Pradakshina path, the Landscape zone, BahyaPradakshina path, the Public Convenience zone,service lane, shuttle cum emergency lane, mixed traffic lane and pedestrian footpath.
The 75 meters of the SJHC abutting MeghanadaPacheri is broadly divided into nine zones on the northern, southern and western side. 7meter Green Buffer Zone(adjacent to MeghanadaPacheri): This consists of a 2meter hardscape area abutting MeghandaPacheri for access by staff and maintenance purpose. The remainder 5meter is a 1ft high terraced landscape green.
10meterAntar (Inner) Pradakshina: For ceremonial procession of deities year-round and use by general public for parikrama of Shree Mandira complex.
14meter Landscape Zone: These gardens have been designed through meticulous research of the local arboriculture practices. Local varities of trees, used in Jagannatha Culture will be planted here.
8meterBahya (Outer) Pradakshina: Covered by trees on either side, this will act as a shaded pathway for visitors / pilgrims.
10meter Public Convenience Zone: Along with plantation of tall trees and shrubs, this zone will have facilities such as restrooms, drinking water fountains, information-cum-donation kiosks, and shelter pavilions for shade and rest.
5meter service lane: For access by service vehicles and maintenance of the corridor.
4.5 meter wide dedicated shuttle cum emergency lane for any kind of emergency and disaster management.
7.5 meter mixed traffic lane to aid in movement of vehicles around the Heritage Corridor and to ensure access to properties abutting the outer access road as well as the lanes from the neighbouring Sahis meeting this outer access road.
7 Meter wide shaded footpath with trees is designed adjacent to the mixed traffic lane for a smoother pedestrian flow around the corridor and neighbouring area for people to commute. This will be equipped with parking bay for Sevayaks and temple workers, waste bins, street furniture, drinking water fountain etc.
The Eastern Plaza of the heritage corridor is proposed as a large open space as many festivals of Shree Mandira including the Rath Jatra starts from here.
This will allow very large congregation of devotees to take place in a safe and secure environment. It is clear from above that more than 90% of the SJHC i.e about Ac.18 out of Ac.20 are being developed as open and green spaces. Further, the SJHC plan increases this open space from about Ac.5 to Ac.18 i.e an increase of 360%.
In order to meet the essential requirements of visitors to Shree Mandira and the SJHC, a queue management facility with capacity of 6,000 persons, along with security checking (Baggage screening) facility, main cloakroom for keeping belongings of upto four thousand families, drinking water and toilet facilities, facilities for washing hands and feet, souvenir including book shop etc. are being provided in this centre. This will be built over half an acre land available next to SJHC on South-East side.
For development of Matha temples existing within 75 meter SJHC, proposal has been approved. All the matha temples are being developed by keeping in mind Kalinga style of architecture in general and specific traditions of the concerned mathas.
