By Our Correspondent
Bhubaneswar, January 22, 2015

The Puri is among 12 cities selected as one of the heritage sites by Union Tourism Ministry.

The ministry has sanctioned Rs 22.54 crore for implementation of the National Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) in Puri. The scheme, to be implemented over a period of two years, seeks to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the place.

The scheme was launched by union Minister of Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu at New Delhi on Wednesday. He said HRIDAY is a step towards reviving the soul of cities hosting rich heritage.

The ministry has earmarked Rs 500 crore for development of 12 cities, including Puri, selected in the first phase under HRIDAY. The Central Government will meet the entire expenditure under the scheme but the state government and urban local body has been asked to supplement their resources for development.

The scheme seeks to promote an integrated, inclusive and sustainable development of heritage sites focusing not only on maintenance of monuments but also on advancement of the entire ecosystem.