5T secretary Pandian reviews Ekamra Kshetra project

Bhubaneswar: 5T secretary VK Pandian visited the Lingaraj area in the early hours on Saturday and reviewed of the progress of the Ekamra Kshetra project.

 He directed the officials to expedite the work and set the target of November end for competition of land acquisition.

It is learnt from the review that 80% land acquisition has already been completed. The secreatary to CM appreciated the officials for speedy work in spite of Covid situation.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had earlier directed to complete a good portion of Ekamra Kshetra work before Mahashivaratri so that devotees in large numbers can get a serene experience of viewing the Mahadeep.

Pandian directed that widening of all access roads should get final touch before Mahashivaratri and complete the new alternate roads for convenience of devotees.

The development of alternate roads will help in pedestrianized pathway around Bindu Sargar.

Access to the temple would be through e-vehicles so that vehicular pollution and smoke are kept away from the main temple. This will help both pilgrims as well protection of the monuments from pollution and smoke.

Drainage all surrounding temples including Lingaraj were the focus areas of the review.

Land of Gopaltirtha mutt and Shankranda mutt has already been acquired and after acquisition of remaining buildings and land, devotees will have a clear view of Bindusagar from the Northern gate of Lingaraj.

The open space will give the devotee a divine experience of being able to see the temple and bindusagar together.

Ecofriendly waste disposal methods will be implemented to make the premises clean.

Among other things, pilgrim facilities and amenities were also discussed as well.

Mahashivaratri being the main festival of Lingaraj Mahaprabhu, officials were instructed to keep that as a target date for completion of many components of the overall plan for benefit of Lacs of devotees visiting during that time.

Works secretary, BMC commissioner and other officials were present during the field visit cum review meeting.