Sambalpur: Asit Tripathy, Principal Advisor to Chief Minister and Chairman Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) has said Hirakud will have cruise facilities to attract tourists.
Mr.Tripathy, who is on a whirlwind tour to Western Districts, visited Hirakud and an island inside Hirakud Reservoir, where Eco Tourism Cottages will come up. Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary Tourism and Sports and senior officials present during visit.
Mr.Tripathy said soon tender will be floated for Samaleswari Temple Area Management and Local Economy Initiative (SAMALEI) Project, which was announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik earlier.
Rs 200 crore package for beautification and peripheral development of the famous Samaleswari temple in Sambalpur involves SAMALEI Project and State Government will spend Rs 200 crore in 2021-22 to develop an area of 108 acres around the temple.
The Project involves erection of major gates the four sides of the temple to facilitate smooth entry and exit of devotees. The temple office, an interpretation centre and other facilities will be developed at the main gate for convenience of the visitors and smooth darshan of the Presiding Deity.
The temple, situated on a 12-acre land on the bank of River Mahanadi will have adequate facilities for religious functions, a bhoga mandap and rest rooms for sevayats. Steps will be taken for a housing project for the sevayats. As per the plan, a kilometre-long heritage corridor will be constructed around the temple for Parikrama of devotees. Facilities like Yatri Niwas, Parking Lot, Information Centre, Vending Zone and other amenities will be available.
Apart from widening the Ring Road, a 30 Meter wide road will link the temple to Mahanadi river bank which will facilitate visitors to have a view of the riverside.
Arrangements will be made for holding Mahanadi Aarati on the lines of Ganga Aarti for which the 30 Meter long deck will be constructed. The river bank will also have pavilions and food plaza.
The 22 acre wetland of Sambalpur will be developed into a tourist spot with all modern amenities.