PARLAKHEMUNDI: Gajapati administration has decided to develop the four-km road stretch leading to Mahendragiri hills before Mahashivratri next year. Thousands of devotees from across the State and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh visit the mountain peak to worship Lord Shiva during Mahashivratri. They cross the four km stretch from Burukhat village to reach the hill top.
However, due to lack of maintenance, the road has been lying in a dilapidated condition, making it a risky affair for the devotees. Collector Sudhansu Mohan Samal visited the spot on Wednesday and took stock of the road and other facilities. He advised people to avoid using vehicles while crossing the road. Samal informed that the road will be developed for free movement of people before the ensuing Mahashivratri. “The stretch would be illuminated with electric lights during the festival. Also, arrangements for drinking water and dustbins would be made for convenience of the devotees,” Samal said.