File picture of devotees in Puri during Nabakalebar

Bhubaneswar, May 20: The government has initiated steps to develop a temporary residential area in Puri to provide accommodation to tourists thronging the town during Nabakalebar festival next year.

The project envisages establishment of temporary accommodations similar to those provided during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain.

The state government will develop the basic infrastructure, while a private company with required expertise will develop the accommodations.

On a pilot basis, the authorities have decided to construct such low-cost accommodations for 5,000 pilgrims and 100 high-ended residential units during the rath yatra scheduled to be held next month.

Tourism secretary Arabinda Padhee said: “If the test run is successful, the model will be replicated at the Nabakalebar festival.”

A private service provider with experience in handling Kumbh Mela at various places has expressed interest in the project.

Tourism director Manorajan Patnaik, Puri collector Dhiren Kumar Patnaik and representatives of the private service provider today visited Puri and identified a few sites for establishment of the accommodation units.

The tourism director said five to six locations were identified today and the final selection would be done later.

Puri collector Dhiren Kumar Patnaik said that around 20 acres had been identified for the purpose near Talabania and Puri bus stand.

Since Nabakalebar and rath yatra are held during rainy season, steps would be taken to deal with waterlogging as well.

In a related development, it was decided that measures would be taken to improve water supply and sanitation in Jagannath temple. A treatment plant would be set up to treat wastewater generated from the temple kitchen. Besides, the water sources of the temple would be recharged.