Cuttack: Under the 5T initiative of the state government, five departments have come together to take up various projects at Nuapatna under Kayalpada panchayat in the district.
After visiting the site on the outskirts of the city on Saturday, Science and Technology Minister Ashok Chandra Panda told the media persons that eco-tourism, science park and planetarium and several other developmental projects have been planned to be taken up in the area of 126 acre in five phases. The site is located near the satellite township of CDA in Cuttack city.
After the completion of the projects, the Dhabaleshwar shrine on the island in Mahanadi river is expected to attract the tourists.
Panda further said after the Chief Minister decided that science centre will be set up in each of 30 districts of the state, work has already begun for the first 10 projects. Funds allocation has also been made in the budget.
Cuttack Collector Bhabani Shankar Chayani, aho accompanied the minister, said a very big 5T experimentation has been planned at Nakachonipata and Nuapatna areas. It will serve as a recreation and knowledge hub for the people of Cuttack, he added.
He further said under the project, science park and planetarium will be set up by the State Science and Technology department and eco-tourism by the Forest and Environment department while the Mahanadi channel will be restored by the Water Resources department and tourism and cultural centre taken up by the Tourism and Culture department.
Local MP Bhartruhari Mahatab and former Choudwar-Cuttack legislator Pravat Biswal also visited the site.