Naveen Okays Master Plan For Renovation Of Sarala Temple In Jagatsinghpur; Rs 42 Cr Granted In 1st Phase

Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday approved the master plan for development of Maa Sarala temple in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district.

At a high-level meeting presided by the chief minister in Bhubaneswar, a 3D model of the proposed project was presented by the Works department. Earlier, secretary (5T) to chief minister VK Pandian had visited the 18th century temple and discussed all aspects of development of the Shakti shrine with priests, servitors, officials of the district administration and local people.

Following his visit, the Works department had been directed to draw up the master plan on the basis of the inputs submitted by the 5T secretary. The project has been included in Integrated Development of Heritage and Monuments and Tourists Destination scheme to start the work.

Extending his approval to the plan, Naveen directed to complete the development works within one year and sanctioned Rs 42 crore for first phase of works.

As per the plan, the main temples and other temples surrounding it will be developed, the pond in its campus renovated, four entry gates in four directions and compound wall constructed. Besides, the temple kitchen, godown, Anand Bazaar, Mundan Mandap and Chandan Pokhari (holy pond) will be renovated.

For the convenience of the devotees, space for lighting lamps and having prasad of the temple will be constructed. A building for them to take rest with toilet facilities have also been included in the master plan.

The temple premises will also house a police control room, temple management office and an administrative building.

The owners of the shops, which will be demolished during the project work, will be allotted rooms in the existing shopping complex that will be renovated. It will also have parking space for vehicles and toilet facilities.

In second phase of the works, the road connecting to the temple will be widened.

Chief secretary Suresh Mahapatra, senior officials, Jagatsinghpur collector and temple servitors participated in the meeting held through video-conference. Pandian coordinated the meeting.