Puri: The Odisha Government’s bid to boost revenue by setting up beach shacks along the shores of Puri has been criticised by different organisations in the pilgrim city.
Shankaracharya of Govardhan Mutt, Swami Nischalanand Saraswati has voiced his resentment against the government’s plan to set up beach shacks.
Serving of liquor in beach shacks is allowed under Odisha Excise Policy, 2021. Opposing the proposal, the Shankaracharya said, “Jagannath Dham Puri is the seat of spiritual and religious soul-searching. Under no circumstances, liquor and other form of alcoholic beverages should be allowed on Puri beach.”
“I have always insisted that the three-kilometre stretch on the Puri beach should be a place of bhajan, kirtan and arati. This proposal (beach shacks) of the government for Puri is not acceptable,” the Shankaracharya said.
To promote sea beach tourism, the State Government through Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) has invited bids for setting up beach shacks along the coastline.
A delegation led by Badri Mishra, Chakradhar Mohapatra and Madhusudan Mishra of the social outfit met the Puri Collector Samarth Verma and demanded roll back the ‘beach shacks’ plan at sacred beaches in guise of tourism development in Puri district.
The OTDC is planning to open counters at beaches on Puri-Konark marine drive offering tourists to enjoy beverages including liquor, along with music on the lines of Goa. Accordingly, OTDC invited online applications for operation of shacks at beaches and tomorrow is the last date for filing applications.
With this in mind, more than 50 organisations have joined hands to oppose OTDC’s proposal. They have vowed not to allow OTDC to go ahead with the plan that will facilitate drinking of liquor on the beach of Puri which is the land of Lord Jagannath.
Verma said, “We will not take any step that will negatively impact the heritage city of Puri. We will take up the issues with the government. It is only a proposal and we will discuss the feedback with the government.”
