ROURKELA : Sundargarh district administration has decided to add more infrastructure and civic facilities to Vedvyas temple complex here with corporate contribution of around `1.45 crores even as ongoing projects of the Tourism Department at a cost of `1.20 crore are nearing completion.
On Sunday, a meeting was held on Vedvyas Trust Board (VTB) premises which was chaired by Rourkela ADM K Sudershan Chakravorty due to the absence of Sundargarh Collector and ex-officio president of VTB BS Poonia. The functioning of the board and further development requirements were reviewed in the meeting. It was decided to expedite construction work of the gas-based crematorium near temple complex with contribution of `80 lakh from Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). RSP’s contribution of another `50 lakh would be utilised to develop the ghat near the crematorium along with toilet facility and expand Vyas Mandap. Adhunik Metalliks Ltd would also spend `15 lakh to set up a temple kitchen.
The meeting also resolved to explore ways to set up a hanging bridge over river Brahmani from Panposh to the temple and construct an amusement park with private participation on an area of five acres. The VTB has around 48 acres in its possession. To strengthen security, a police beat house would be set up and surveillance cameras installed on the temple premises. Parking fees of `10 would be charged from three-wheelers and four-wheelers but vehicles carrying bodies to the crematorium would be exempted. It was also decided to impress upon the Tourism Department to complete ongoing projects on a war footing.
VTB secretary Anupam Ray said Vedvyas temple located near river Brahmani holds religious significance and tourism interests and VTB would shortly introduce facilities for marriage ceremonies at affordable cost inside temple.
The Tourism Department’s ongoing projects including landscape development and beautification of the adjacent hill, setting up picnic ‘pindis’ and interpretation centre are going on in full swing for nearly two years.
Among others, Additional Assistant Commissioner of Endowment Commission Choudhury Prabir Kumar and other board members including RCCI president Subrata Patnaik were present at the meeting.