Puri: The Odisha government has removed the Biju Smruti Peetha, memorial of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, from Swargadwar in the holy city Puri.
The memorial was removed last night in the presence of the District Collector and other officials.
Last month, the State Government had decided to remove the memorial from Swargadwar and dedicate the entire area for the service of the people.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had sanctioned Rs 5 crore sanctioned from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) in the first phase of a major facelift of Swargadwar.
Under the proposed project, modern facilities will be constructed for cremation and pallbearers at the crematorium, which was ravaged by cyclone Fani.
The proposed work at Swargadwar also includes the construction of restrooms for pallbearers and facilities for collection and conservation of mortal remains besides afforestation.
The Chief Minister has directed the officials to complete the work within six months.
