Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has sanctioned Rs 160 crore for the first phase of Ayodhya Sarovar redevelopment project in Sambalpur. district.
This is part of the Rs 240 crore Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project, a flagship initiative aimed at transforming key stretches of the state’s riverbanks into vibrant public spaces and tourism hubs. The project will be implemented over three years — 2025-26 to 2027-28 — and will be fully funded by the state through the Water Resources Development.
According to sources, the Mahanadi riverfront between Mandalia and Chaunpur in Sambalpur district will be developed under this project. The first phase includes repairing of the old anicut sluice gates and raising the anicut height to maintain water levels in Ayodhya Sarovar, an artificial lake created from the water of Mahanadi river near Sambalpur town, for aarti and tourism activities like water sports.
“The project has got the go ahead from the government. Accordingly, the Odisha Construction Corporation Ltd has been assigned the task of preparing the detailed project report (DPR). The tender for the project has been floated, and an architect is being selected. The DPR is under preparation, and work will begin soon,” said Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar.
Tourism officer Rabindra Dalai said that a Bengaluru-based company has prepared the masterplan. “The project will include riverbank beautification and creation of tourist-friendly amenities. It will be completed within 2 years once the bidding process is completed,” said Dalai.
The five-phase project will feature parks, walkways, boating facilities, amphitheatres, Mahanadi aarti and ghats, transforming the riverbank into a vibrant cultural and tourist hub.
In July last year, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is also the MP from Sambalpur, had urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to develop the old Ayodhya Sarovar under the ‘riverfront development project’. He emphasised on preserving the spiritual heritage of Sambalpur, while promoting tourism for economic growth by utilising the natural beauty of the river, citing the success of the Sabarmati and Kashi models.