Keonjhar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a peripheral development project for the Ma Tarini Temple complex at Ghatagaon in Keonjhar, his home district.
With an estimated cost of over Rs 312 crore, the ambitious project aims at transforming the religious hub with modern amenities while retaining its cultural and spiritual values.
Officials said the proposed development will cover nearly 60 acres around the temple. Key components include a Jatri Niwas with 216 beds for visitors, a Prasad Sevan hall that can host 500 people, coconut godowns, a dedicated pilgrim centre, an interpretation centre, a food plaza and a watchtower.
The Chief Minister will directly supervise the development works to ensure timely execution and adherence to design standards.
The project includes a structured parking facility, streamlined queue management, drinking water points for the convenience of pilgrims, upgraded electrical and illumination work, landscaping, drainage systems and a boundary wall. Waste management measures and a light and sound system are also part of the package.
In order to improve connectivity, a 12 metre wide approach road will link the National Highway with Harichandanpur. Internal roads leading to the temple will also be strengthened to improve traffic flow, particularly during peak festival seasons.
