Bhubaneswar, Oct. 21 -- The State government has decided to spend Rs 3,208 crore for Puri under the Augmentation Basic Amenities & Development of Heritage & Architecture at Puri (ABADHA) scheme over a period of three years. After the Cabinet meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Lok Seva Bhawan here today, Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy told mediapersons a decision has been taken that the government would spend Rs 719 crore this year for the pilgrim city.

The government has already approved 15 projects under the ABADHA scheme as the number of pilgrims visiting Puri is expected to grow manifold in the days to come. The ABADHA projects include the construction of a Lok Seva Bhavan to house all government offices...