Bhubaneswar: Secretary (5T) to Chief Minister VK Pandian on Sunday took stock of the progress of SAMALEI project for development of Maa Samaleswari temple in Odisha’s Sambalpur city.
On his arrival, Pandian offered prayer at the temple and interacted with the priests and servitors besides the devotees regarding various issues.
The SAMALEI (Samaleswari Temple Area Management and Local Economic Initiative) project is being developed in an area of about 30 acre of land and the work is in progress in acquired 25 acre.
During his visit to the project site, Pandian reviewed the construction of heritage pond complex, podium, queue management system, cloak room and other components. He directed the engineers to speed up the work so that it should be completed in time.
He went to the site of the plaza which is coming up with the heritage welcome gates on three sides and examined the heritage corridor under construction. He also inspected the vending zone, information counter, pilgrim facility, temple facility centre and an iconic watch tower which are under progress. He stressed on adequate plantations in the entire area.
During his visit to the Mahanadi river front, the secretary instructed finalisation of the design for foot over bridge and completion of column foundation works expeditiously. He also inspected the construction of the crematorium.
Principal secretary, Works, Sambalpur Collector, managing director of OBCC and other senior officers, president of the temple trust board were present during Pandian’s visit.
