Puri included in Centre’s Heritage City Scheme

Lord Jagannath’s abode Puri has been included in the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) of the centre and will get special grants for developmental works.

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Urban Development Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu for the inclusion and said its natural for Odias to feel honoured as this has been done in the Nakalabara year.

The new scheme seeks to promote an integrated, inclusive and sustainable development of heritage sites, focusing not just on maintenance of monuments but on advancement of the entire ecosystem including its citizens, tourists and local businesses.

Union Minister for Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu and Minister of Tourism and Culture Dr.Mahesh Sharma have jointly launched the programme in New Delhi.

While as per UNESCO resignation there are 32 natural and cultural heritage sites, the Government has included 12 cities in HRIDAY scheme at present. Initially for Puri city Rs.22.54 cr. has been allocated. In total, Rs 500 crore have been allocated for two years to these 12 heritage cities.