By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Ending all speculations and grapevines, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday laid foundation stone of the Rs 280 crore Ekamra Project at the 11th century old Lingaraj Temple here. Ministers Prafulla Mallick, Ashok Panda, Jagannatha Saraka, MLAs Anata Jena, Sushant Rout, Mayor Sulochana Das, Chief Secretary Pradip Jena, 5T Secretary VK Pandian and Industry Secretary Hemant Sharma, were among those present.
The CM felicitated the shopkeepers and individuals who had given up their land for the beautification & transformation project. Bhumi Pujan ceremony for EKAMRA Prakalp, started on June 26 and ended today following laying of foundation stone.
The Bhumipujan had commenced on June 26 with Yagna rituals. During the three-day celebration, visitors and devotees were immersed in the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Ekamra Kshetra. The Lingaraj Tenmple, Ananta Basudeva, MukteswarTemple, Bindu Sagar, and other smaller temples adorned with soft illuminations, heightening their ethereal beauty. .
The Ekamra Prakalp, also known as the Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action plan, was launched by the Government of Odisha in 2019. With an allocated area of 80 acres around the revered Shri Lingaraj Temple, including various monuments, holy tanks, andwater bodies, the project aims to recreate the magnificence of this ancient heritage precinct.
The Phase-l development, will encompass key highlights such as the restoration of Ekamra Kshetra’s architectural and archaeological heritage. To improve vehicular movement, a 12 18 meter wide mixed traffic lane will be implemented, alongside 4-10 meter wide shaded walk ways to ensure smooth pedestrian flow. Parking facilities will be relocated to the outer periphery of Ekamra Kshetra to alleviate congestion.
Moreover, interconnected landscaped open spaces will be created, proiding safe gathering areas for devotees, while a 300 sq meter temple facility will be constructed for the convenience of pilgrims. Additionally, a 1,600 sq meter Information & Control Centre will be developed to cater to emergency services. To facilitate easy access to ritual spaces and Ekarnra Van, a dedicated pedestrian path around Bindusagar will be constructed.
Further more, the project will create interconnected landscaped open spaces for pilgrims, and an Information & Control Centre for emergency services. It seeks to provide a harmonious blend of modern amenities and the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring a transformative experience for visitors and devotees alike.
The Ekamra Prakalp initiative exemplifies the government’s steadfast commitment to preserving and reviving Bhubaneswar’s ancient heritage precinct. The Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation (0BCC) has been trusted with executing the project, and the tender has been finalized, with works scheduled to commence soon.
