Odisha CM lays foundation stone for redevelopment of areas around 11th century Lingaraj Temple

The plan covers preservation of various other ancient temples, holy tanks and water bodies associated with the 11th century shrine and to create amenities for pilgrims visiting the temple. The project aims to recreate the magnificence of this ancient heritage precinct, said official sources.

In the first phase, the focus is to restore the architectural and archaeological heritage sites and to create a 12-metre-wide mixed traffic to improve vehicular movement. A 4-10 metre walkway will also be developed around the shrine to ensure smooth pedestrian flow.

Parking facilities, inter-connected landscaped open spaces to facilitate safe gathering areas for devotees, temple facility, an information and control centre to cater to emergency services are also part of the EKAMRA plan in the first phase.

“The EKAMRA project initiative exemplifies the government’s steadfast commitment to preserve and revive Bhubaneswar’s ancient heritage precinct. We have got nod of the Centre to take up the project. The state government will bear the entire project cost,” said a senior government official.

The Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation (OBCC) under the sate works department will in-charge of the project.

The chief minister on the occasion also felicitated the individuals and shopkeepers, who have given their land for the EKAMRA project.

The Naveen Patnaik government has taken up redevelopment and beautification of several other popular shrines across the state with huge budgetary provision.

Meanwhile, facelift of nearly a dozen of such shrines including Samaleswari Temple at Sambalpur, Sun Temple at Konark, Chandi Mandir at Cuttack, Nilamadhab Temple at Kantilo, Nrusinghanath temple in Bargarh, Harishankar temple in Balangir, Sarala temple in Jagatsinghpur, Alarnath Temple in Brahmagiri and Aradi Dham in Bhadrak are on cards. Most of the makeover plans are likely to be completed before the 2024 elections.