Puri, Ap 18: Puri, the historic city renowned for its temples, ashrams, dharamshalas, and cultural heritage, has preserved art, architecture, and tradition for thousands of years. However, over time, much of this heritage has been lost, destroyed, or neglected. Many historic structures have succumbed to modern development, with some being demolished to make way for new buildings.

Among the surviving heritage structures, a few dharamshalas stand as reminders of Puri’s rich past. Notable examples include the Tolaram Sujan Mal Bagedia Dharamshala, Duduwala Dharamshala, and Ramchandra Goenka Dharamshala. These century-old structures are now in a state of neglect, facing the risk of complete collapse without proper maintenance.

Other historic sites, such as the Motilal-Mohanlal Kothari Dharamshala, Dolmandap Sahis, and the famous Bagala Dharamshala on Bada Danda, have already been partially or fully demolished, often replaced with modern infrastructure. Even the Srimandir precincts have witnessed the loss of old heritage buildings, with some structures repurposed for parking or administrative use.

Local heritage activists, including Ashoka Manjari Nayak, emphasize that Puri’s remaining historic dharamshalas and structures need urgent preservation. They argue that proper restoration and maintenance could not only save these sites but also boost heritage tourism in the city.

Most of these structures are privately owned or under temple and royal family endowments, making coordinated conservation efforts challenging. Activists call for government intervention under PPP (Public-Private Partnership) models to restore and protect public and private heritage buildings, ensuring they remain accessible to pilgrims and tourists.

Without immediate action, Puri risks losing yet more of its invaluable cultural and architectural legacy, depriving future generations of the city’s historical richness.