Odisha Launches Ekamra Plan; Santrupt Misra To Head PAC

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government on Monday launched ‘Ekamra Plan’ under the Works Department to execute Ekamra Kshetra project in the capital city.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik nominated Dr Santrupt Misra as chairman of the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) which has been formed to steer, guide and coordinate various matters related to the implementation of Ekamra Kshetra projects.

The plan will include interventions for conservation and revival of the monuments, development of amenities for devotees and pilgrims, pedestrianization of the project area, and diverting the traffic to the periphery of the Ekamra project area.

For the project, about 80 acres has been recognized around the Lingaraj Temple. Within the undertaking space, numerous monuments are positioned aside from holy tanks and water our bodies together with Bindu Sagar.

The PAC chairman can invite any official or expert or member of public for discussion on the issues related to the project or to participate in the meeting, stated an official notification.

“The meetings of the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) will be called at regular intervals to finalise various issues related to development of the project area. All plans, projects, interventions, and initiatives in the project area will be approved by this Committee,” it added.

On being appointed chairman of PAC on Ekamra Plan, Dr Misra termed it as an honour for a Shiv Bhakt like him.

“It is indeed a noble and inspiring act to re-imagine such a great heritage of Odisha while making it more accessible and experience- enriching for pilgrims and visitors,” said Dr Misra, who is currently  Group Director-HR and CEO Carbon Black Business of Aditya Birla Group.

“It is a unique opportunity for me personally to serve my home state and to make a small contribution in shaping and showcasing the best that Odisha has to offer,” Dr Misra added.

“Having widely travelled in India and overseas to many locations of historical and religious significance, I have experienced a variety of plans, designs and offerings. I hope to bring all my ideas, skills and experience to bear in making this project a huge success. A Project of this magnitude and significance cannot be an individual or solo act,” he added.

The composition of PAC rightly brings together many relevant resources and skills so critical to the success of the project. It also provides the flexibility to bring in other resources, expertise and ideas that may be relevant, he said.

“As a Shiva Bhakt, I feel blessed to be communicated about this development on a Monday- the day often observed in devotion to Lord Shiva by many including me. Lord Lingaraj has been a symbol of hope and assurance for many like me for years together. Two months ago when I visited Bhubaneswar, I had the privilege of having yet again a darshan of Lingaraj Mahaprabhu after almost 14 months. It is an humbling development and I pray Lord Lingaraj and seek His blessings to show us the way in our work ahead in making the Ekamra project meaningful and memorable,” Dr Misra stated.