Power supply restored at Jagannath Temple in Odisha's Puri district

Twelve days after cyclone 'Fani' hit Odisha coast, power supply at the Jagannath Temple in Puri district was restored on Wednesday evening, officials said.

There had been no electricity in the temple since the time severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' made landfall in Puri, they said.

Power along the Grand Road -- from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple -- was also restored.

"Extremely happy to share that electricity supply has been restored to Srimandir & Bada Danda now. Thank thousands of workers from so many states who are working day and night to ensure electricity supply to #Puri(sic)," Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted.

Puri District Collector Balwant Singh said electricity supply across the entire town is expected to be restored, in a phased manner, within five more days.

Meanwhile, Patnaik Wednesday also declared that the state government will provide 2.5 litre of kerosene to all families affected in Puri district till restoration of power.

"Kerosene oil at the rate of 2.5 litre per family will be made available free of cost every 10 days in the affected areas till restoration of power is completed," Patnaik announced after reviewing the restoration work in the district.

Stating that he is "saddened" by the damage caused to Puri, Patnaik said, "I assure the people that we will make Puri a world class heritage city."