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Delay in completion of haat project irks craftsmen

BHUBANESWAR: An inordinate delay in completion of the much awaited Puri Urban Haat project has disappointed the artisans, crafts persons and weavers of the pilgrims’ paradise.

Modelled after the Delhi haat, the Centre had sanctioned three such projects for the State to be constructed in the Golden Triangle – Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark - to add to the tourists’ attraction and boost the sale of the handicrafts and handlooms of the region.

While Ekamra Haat in the capital city was the first to be thrown open for the public three years ago, the urban haat in Konark was opened by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik eight months ago.

The Puri project that was slated to be complete simultaneously with the Konark project has, however, been progressing at a snail’s pace resulting in disappointment among the locals, tour operators and artisans.

Spread over a sprawling campus of 6.8 acres behind the Puri Zilla School, the Puri haat was estimated to be constructed at an expense of Rs.2.4 crore by the Industrial Development Corporation of Orissa (IDCO).

The complex would have 40 stalls, an amphitheatre and rest shed for the artisans. Despite clearance from the Puri-Konark Development Agency (PKDA), the project has not been completed while two year have lapsed, PKDA sources pointed out. So far Rs. 1 crore has been utilised for the project

Meanwhile, irked over the inordinate delay, representatives of the artisans and crafts persons organisations of the district have mooted to meet the Chief Minister shortly demanding a fair deal from the IDCO, informed the sources.

The Puri hotel association and tour operators have also resolved to appeal to the CM for earliest completion of the haat.

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Delay in completion of haat project irks craftsmen

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