Bhubaneswar: The stage is all set for laying the foundation stone for the ambitious Rs 280 crore Ekamra Prakalp in Bhubaneswar tomorrow in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Ahead of the foundation laying ceremony, many programmes are being held in the Odisha capital since Monday during a three-day Bhumi Pujan ceremony. This has been organised by Lingaraj Temple Trust Board with the help of the shrine’s servitors to highlight the cultural heritage of Ekamra Kshetra.
The Chief Minister is going to lay the foundation stone for the project on Wednesday morning and the work of the project is likely to move at a good pace, said Science and Technology Minister Ashok Chandra Panda.
The Bhumi Pujan commenced on the evening of June 26 at 7.30 pm with a Yagna. It will continue till tomorrow.
The foundation stone laying ceremony, slated for tomorrow morning, will be graced by the Chief Minister and a host of other dignitaries.
In the run up to the foundation stone laying ceremony, visitors and devotees are being treated to different shows depicting the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Ekamra Kshetra.
There are sky projections, light and sound show and dance performances at the BMC Market Complex all three days. There is an exhibition featuring a project model and information displays which will enlighten the visitors about the endeavors taking place within Ekamra Kshetra.
Renowned artists including Hariharan Anantha Subramani, Abhilipsa Panda, Ananda Nanda, Nilandri Kumar and other esteemed performers will deliver soul-stirring renditions in the evening of Tuesday and Wednesday from 5.30 pm to 10 pm.
The Lingaraj Tenmple, Ananta Basudeva, Mukteswar Temple, Bindu Sagar, and other smaller temples are adorned with soft illuminations to heighten their ethereal beauty.
The Ekamra Prakalp, also known as the Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action plan, was launched by the state government in 2019. With an allocated area of 80 acre around the Lingaraj Temple, including various monuments, holy tanks and water bodies, the project aims to recreate the magnificence of this ancient heritage precinct.
The phase I development will encompass 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 walkways 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, providing safe gathering areas for devotees, while a 300 sq meter temple facility will be constructed for the convenience of pilgrims. Besides, a 1,600 sq meter Information & Control Centre will be developed to cater to emergency services.
To facilitate easy access to ritual spaces and Ekamra Van, a dedicated pedestrian path around Bindusagar will be constructed.
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 (OBCC) has been trusted with executing the project, and the tender has been finalised, with works scheduled to commence soon.
