By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Union PNG-Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday launched the Bindusagar lake rejuvenation initiative, a CSR project by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.State Ministers Ashok Chandra Panda, Prafulla Mallick, Bhubaneswar BJP MP Aprajita Sarangi and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Raghunath Mohapatra were among those present.
“Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s national movement for a #SwachhBharat, ICT-IOC along with the state govt. of Odisha will implement state-of-the-art technology to clean up and revive the oldest and the largest water body of the Capital city of Bhubaneswar,” Pradhan said.
The holy Bindusagar lake is believed to have originated in the 7th century AD. Surrounded by historic temples and architectural treasures, this lake near the Lingaraj Temple has immense mythological, religious as well cultural significance for the people of Odisha. ICT-IOC will also take up cleaning, restoration and conservation of other tanks and bodies adjacent to the Lingaraj Temple. This will be crucial in boosting the tourism potential of Odisha, creating large-scale employment and further propelling Odisha’s growth.
Government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is committed to conserve & protect our national heritages. This initiative today is one more step towards restoring the old glory of one of the most noteworthy sights in Bhubaneswar and also developing it as a tourism hotspot, Pradhan added.
Bindusagar lake is used by the devotees and priests for conducting the rituals of Lord Lingaraj. The water body has been polluted due to religious activities and dumping of trash. The holy water tank is also filled with weeds and algae.The Odisha government is now undertaking the ambitious Ekamra Kshetra heritage project which was announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in 2019.
As per official sources, the project involves comprehensive development of the Lingaraj temple and its periphery spanning 66 acre land. Similarly, the officials have planned for beautification and massive upgradation of infrastructure and amenities for devotees and tourists.
