Puri Atharanala Beautification: Boating, Dredging And Drainage Revamp Planned

Puri, Nov 4 (UDN): Odisha's historic pilgrim town of Puri could soon get a new tourism attraction as the district administration prepares an ambitious makeover plan for Atharanala, a heritage waterbody that has remained neglected for years.

 Representational Image 

From large-scale dredging and drainage improvements to embankment construction and beautification, the proposed initiative aims to restore Atharanala's appeal and transform the historic site into a more attractive destination for tourists and local residents. Boating facilities are also being considered as part of the broader tourism vision.

Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida recently visited Atharanala, Hulhulia Bridge and the proposed Puri Lake project at Khandiabandha to review development activities and assess the requirements for further infrastructure improvements.

Major Drainage Overhaul And Dredging Planned

According to the Collector, the first phase of Atharanala's beautification has already been completed. The administration is now focusing on a comprehensive improvement of its water management and drainage infrastructure.

The proposed work includes dredging the stretch connecting the Kanchi River with the Dhaudia River, constructing embankments, removing aquatic weeds and improving water quality. Drains currently discharging into Atharanala are also proposed to be diverted to prevent pollution and improve water flow.

"The first phase of Atharanala's beautification has already been completed. We are now focusing on improving its entire drainage system. The plan involves dredging Atharanala along the stretch from the Kanchi River to the Dhaudia River, constructing embankments and undertaking further beautification work. Drains flowing into Atharanala will also be diverted," Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida said.

The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) is executing the project.

A detailed survey is currently underway. Following its completion, the proposal will be forwarded to the concerned department for technical evaluation. The tendering process will follow the necessary approvals before the proposed work begins.

Encroachments To Be Cleared, Affected Families To Be Relocated

The administration is also considering measures to address encroachments within the water channel area.

According to the Collector, some families residing within the channel zone may face inundation as water levels rise. The administration plans to rehabilitate and relocate such families as part of the broader development exercise.

The Puri Municipal Corporation is also expected to undertake encroachment removal measures to ensure unobstructed water flow and improve the drainage network.

Officials believe that restoring the natural water channel will be essential for the long-term sustainability of the beautification project.

Boating Plan Raises Hopes Among Locals

The proposed transformation has generated optimism among residents who have long been waiting for Atharanala to regain its former significance.

Local resident Dhirendra Rout said the waterbody had remained neglected for years despite substantial expenditure on earlier beautification initiatives.

"We have seen Atharanala lying neglected since our childhood. During the previous administration, crores of rupees were spent on the site and weeds were cleared. Boating facilities were also announced, but the plan never materialised. Now, under the new government and the new Collector, a positive initiative has been taken. It will benefit local residents as well as tourists visiting Puri," he said.

Expressing hope that boating facilities would finally become a reality, Rout added that the initiative could give a fresh boost to tourism and improve the overall development of the city.

However, the proposed boating facility is yet to reach the implementation stage.

Sand Art Museum And Puri Lake To Add New Attractions

Atharanala's proposed makeover is part of a wider tourism-development vision for Puri.

The district administration is also planning a Sand Art Museum where visitors will be able to admire artistic sand sculptures. The proposed facility is expected to offer training opportunities for people interested in learning the traditional art form.

Meanwhile, the Puri Lake project at Khandiabandha is envisioned as another major recreational attraction. The proposed facilities include cycling tracks, walking paths, boating arrangements and a gym.

Land acquisition will be undertaken wherever required for the development of the lake project.

Focus On Cleaner And More Tourist-Friendly Puri

Alongside these major projects, the district administration is also prioritising cleanliness, drainage maintenance and sanitation around Atharanala and other important locations in the city.

If implemented as planned, the combined development initiatives could strengthen Puri's appeal beyond its identity as a major religious destination.

For Atharanala, in particular, the proposed revival offers an opportunity to restore a historic waterbody while creating new recreational possibilities.

The immediate focus, however, remains on completing the survey, securing technical approvals and moving the proposed infrastructure work towards implementation. The success of the makeover will ultimately depend on effective execution, environmental protection and long-term maintenance.