Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik writes to PM Modi, urges him to set up airport in Puri

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to set up an airport in Puri for promotion of tourism in state. state government has identified land for proposed Sri Jagannath International Airport in coastal town, he said.

Patnaik said Rath Yatra of Puri is a famous annual event, attracting lakhs of pilgrims from across world and an airport in town will help bring devotees to Sri Jagannath Temple.

" Holy city of Puri, abode of Lord Jagannath, is among Char Dhams of Hindu Dharma. Hindus from all over world visit Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri. holy Rath Yatra is celebrated across 192 countries.

" proposed airport will help bring Jagannath devotees from across world," Patnaik said in letter. He also mentioned that Sun Temple of Konark, a UNESCO World Herit site, is just 35-km away from Puri and Ramachandi-Chandrabhaga beach provides a unique experience to travellers.

Most of historic Buddhist herit sites like Dhauli and Ratnagiri, with a travel time of about three hours from Puri, attract national and international tourists.

Puri is also linked to two Ramsar sites - Chilka Lake on one side and Bhitarkanika National Park on or. Both se locations have huge potential for international eco-tourism, he said.

"refore, I request that Ministry of Civil Aviation may be asked to take up this airport as a priority project. state government has identified land at Puri for proposed airport and will proactively support activities required for establishing airport in a record time," Patnaik said.

long coastline and bay area near Puri are ideal locations for promoting new world ecomic activities, leisure and hospitality, health and spiritual centres, chief minister said. "We believe that Puri has potential to become a hub for spiritual, tourism and ecomic activities," Patnaik ded. 

(Photo Credit: Twitter/CMO_Odisha)