At the Lingaraj Temple yesterday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid the groundwork for the ambitious Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action (EKAMRA) Plan. The temple Trust Board organized a three-day Bhumi Pujan celebration at the shrine.
The Ekamra project is expected to be completed in one and a half years for a cost of Rs 280 crore.
The Chief Minister honored shops and individuals who had given up their land for the beautification and development project on the occasion. The shrine had a three-day Bhumi Pujan celebration, which concluded on Wednesday. The Lingaraj Temple Trust Board organized the function to commemorate Ekamra Kshetra’s cultural legacy.
Odisha’s government unveiled the Ekamra Prakalp, also known as the Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action Plan, 2019. The Ekamra Project, which has been allotted an area of 80 acres in the vicinity of the Lingaraj Temple and includes different monuments, holy tanks, and water bodies, intends to reproduce the splendor of this ancient heritage zone. The project’s focus will be on preserving Ekamra Kshetra’s architectural and archaeological values.
The first phase of the project will comprise the restoration of the area’s heritage, the creation of a 12-18-m wide mixed traffic lane for smooth vehicular movement, and the construction of 4-10 meter wide shaded walkways to ensure pedestrian flow. To relieve congestion, parking facilities will be relocated to the area’s outskirts. In addition, a 300 sq meter temple facility will be constructed for the convenience of pilgrims.
A 1,600-square-meter Information and Control Center will also be built to support emergency services.
On this occasion, the Lingaraj Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Bindu Sagar, and other surrounding temples have been illuminated.
Source:OCN