Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid foundation stone of the Rs 280-crore Ekamra Project at Lingaraj temple in Odisha capital on Wednesday.
The CM also felicitated shopkeepers and individuals, who had given up their land for the beautification & transformation project.
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 focus during the first phase will be on restoration of the area’s heritage, construction of a 12-18-m wide mixed traffic lane for smooth vehicular movement and 4-10m wide shaded walkways to ensure pedestrian flow. To reduce congestion, parking facilities will be relocated to the outer periphery of the area. 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.
A dedicated pedestrian path will also be constructed around Bindusagar to provide easy access to Ekamra Van.
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 Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation (OBCC) has been trusted with executing the project, and the tender has been finalised, with works scheduled to commence soon.
In the run up to the event, visitors and devotees were treated to different shows depicting the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Ekamra Kshetra amid a three-day ‘Bhumi pujan’ ceremony being organised from Monday by Lingaraj Temple Trust Board. Sky projections, light and sound show and dance performances are being held at BMC Market Complex. An exhibition, featuring a project model and information displays about the endeavours taking place within Ekamra Kshetra, is also on.
Lingaraj Temple, Ananta Basudeva Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Bindu Sagar, and other nearby temples have also been lit up on the occasion.
Renowned artists, including Hariharan Anantha Subramani, Abhilipsa Panda, Ananda Nanda, Nilandri Kumar, will deliver soul-stirring renditions on Wednesday evening from 5.30 pm to 10 pm.
