New Delhi: The central government has informed the Rajya Sabha that work on the Rs 90 crore Paika Rebellion Memorial at Barunei Hills in Odisha’s Khordha district is underway with financial support from Indian Oil Foundation under its corporate social responsibility programme.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared the update in reply to a question from Rajya Sabha MP Dillip Kumar Ray on the project’s status.
Foundation stone for the memorial was laid by the then President, Ram Nath Kovind, on December 8, 2019. The state government has allotted 9.685 acres of land free of cost. “Physical possession of the land has been taken over by the ASI, Bhubaneswar circle, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture,” the Union Minister said.
He further stated that the Infrastructure contracts have been awarded and activities are currently underway. Road diversion and the shifting of overhead power lines have already been completed. The Indian Oil Foundation is monitoring the execution of the project. However, no timeline has been indicated for completion of the memorial, Shekhawat added.
Following the update, the MP urged the Centre to complete the memorial within a year, while providing any necessary financial and land support.
Notably, former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the site in May and reviewed the progress of the project with officials.
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