KENDRAPARA: The state government has decided to renovate and beautify the famous Baladevjew temple and its nearby areas in Kendrapara town at a cost of Rs 100 crore, informed Works minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held in Bhubaneswar to discuss the issues pertaining to development of the shrine. Kendrapara collector Raghuram R Iyer apprised the minister of the existing development plan and issues of the temple.
Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, the collector said that a master plan has been prepared for development of the shrine and its peripheral areas. “Under this plan, the state government has decided to revamp the temple and its surrounding areas. In an effort to attract more devotees to the temple, focus will also be laid on construction of proper roads, boundary wall, setting up of drinking water facilities, security and the shrine’s beautification,” he added.
Executive officer of the Baladevjew temple Balabhadra Patri said around 47 structures near the temple will be demolished soon. All the evicted shop owners will be rehabilitated by the government.
“The state government had allotted Rs 10 crore four years back to give the temple a facelift. We have already spent Rs 8 crore to build a footpath, a mandap, three rooms on the temple premises and lighting facilities. The renovation work of two ponds under this project is still underway. The government will grant more money for the temple renovation project after completion of the land acquisition works,” he informed.
Patri further informed that out of a total 720 acre land, the temple at present possesses around 200 acre. “Around 112 acre of temple land has been encroached and the individuals who have illegally occupied such land are neither providing any crop nor paying any money to the temple. Around 120 cases pertaining to temple land are pending in the civil courts since long,” he added. Among others, Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda, Mahakalapada MLA Durga Prasan Nayak, and state Endowments commissioner Lalatendu Jena were present.