The Odisha government has taken a significant step towards urban development by officially granting Puri the status of a municipal corporation. This move, announced via a notification on Wednesday, fulfills a major demand of local residents and is expected to transform the holy city's infrastructure.
A Promise Fulfilled: Puri's Long-Awaited Upgrade
The decision follows Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's announcement on July 3, where he committed to upgrading Puri Municipality. The primary goal is to significantly enhance civic amenities for the town's residents, the millions of devotees who visit the Jagannath Temple, and other tourists. The official notification has been met with widespread celebration in Puri.
Locals and authorities anticipate that the new municipal corporation status will act as a catalyst for large-scale, planned development. It is expected to pave the way for improved urban infrastructure, systematic expansion, and better management of resources in and around the town.
Four Towns Elevated to Notified Area Council Status
In the same wave of urban administrative upgrades, the state government also declared four other towns as Notified Area Councils (NACs). This move aims to bring more organized governance and development to these growing areas. The towns that have been granted NAC status are:
- Loisingha in Balangir district
- Chandikhol in Jajpur district
- Yashipur in Mayurbhanj district
- Basta in Balasore district
Berhampur Municipal Corporation Limits Expanded
In a separate but related notification, the government also announced the expansion of the jurisdictional limits of the Berhampur Municipal Corporation. This expansion is designed to accommodate the city's growth and ensure more comprehensive urban planning and service delivery to a larger population.
The series of notifications underscores the state government's focus on strengthening urban local bodies. Upgrading Puri to a corporation and conferring NAC status on four towns are strategic decisions intended to boost planned development, attract more investment, and ultimately improve the quality of life for citizens across Odisha.
