Bhubaneswar: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik writes to PM Modi proposing establishment of an international airport in the name of Sri Jagannath International airport at Puri.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Naveen said, that the Holy city of Puri, abode of Lord Jagannath, is among the Char Dhams of Hindu Dharma. Hindus, from all over the World, visit Sri Jagannath Temple at Puri.
The Sun Temple of Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 35 kms away from Puri and along with the adjacent Ramachandi-Chandrabhaga beaches provides a unique experience to national and international tourists, added CM
Puri is organically linked to two Ramsar Sites Chilka Lake (India’s first Ramsar site and UNESCO World Heritage site) on one side and Bhitarkanika National Park on other side. Both these locations have huge potential for international eco-tourism, he added.
Puri beach has been recently transformed into a Blue Flag beach with world-class experience for the tourists. We believe that Puri has potential to become a hub for spiritual, tourism and economic activities, stated in a letter.
Patnaik has also requested the Prime Minister to direct Ministry of Civil Aviation to take up this airport as a ‘priority project’.
The Rath Yatra of Puri is a world-famous annual event attracting lakhs of pilgrims and visitors from across the world. The holy Rath Yatra is celebrated across 192 countries. The proposed airport will help bring Jagannath devotees from across the world to Puri and will help promote Jagannath culture
across the world, stated in the letter.
Therefore, the Odisha have proposed that an international airport to be established at Puri in the name of Sri Jagannath International Airport. The State government has also identified land at Puri for the proposed airport and will proactively support all the activities required for establishing the airport in a record time.
Ms Kalinga AI