The Odisha government has officially elevated Puri Municipality to the status of Puri Municipal Corporation starting Wednesday. The Housing & Urban Development Department issued a formal notification, as confirmed by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Puri, known for the Jagannath Temple, is a significant pilgrimage site in India, attracting numerous devotees and tourists daily.
The decision to grant Municipal Corporation status to Puri was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on July 3 to enhance civic amenities and infrastructure. This upgrade fulfills a longstanding request from Puri residents and has brought immense joy to the local population. The new status is expected to lead to extensive infrastructural development and improved civic services in Puri.
The transformation into a Municipal Corporation will encompass the city and surrounding Gram Panchayats, integrating around 7-8 Gram Panchayats from Puri Sadar and Brahmagiri blocks. Apart from Puri, four other towns in Odisha have been designated as Notified Area Councils (NACs), including Loisingha, Chandikhole, Jashipur, and Basta. Furthermore, the Berhampur Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction has been expanded, as announced by the Chief Minister during Self-Governance Day celebrations on August 31.
