Govt plans to remove hurdles between Lingaraj Temple & Bindusagar

Bhubaneswar: The government is planning a barrier-free access between the 11the century Lingaraj Temple and Bindusagar lake.
“People can watch Chandan Yatra at Bindusagar directly from Lingaraj Temple. Other temples in between like Bindhyabasini, Bhawani Shankar, Sukasari and Mohini will also be visible. Historical records suggest that about 350 years ago, there was nothing between Lingaraj Temple and Bindusagar except some temples. There was no other permanent structure in between,” said a statement from the chief minister’s office.
This is part of the Lingaraj Temple Heritage Development Project under Ekamra Plan which chief minister Naveen Patnaik wants completed within a year.
The state government has earmarked Rs 150 crore for the project in the 2020-21 financial year.
Sources said efforts will be made to create a spiritual and ecological ambience in and around Lingaraj Temple. After the redevelopment, space will be created to accommodate over two lakh people during Maha Shivratri. At present, only 10 to 15,000 people can be accommodated in front of the temple.
The new plan will also facilitate pilgrim management during other festivals like Ashokastami Rath Yatra and Kaudia Yatra.
The Ekamra plan has a range of proposals to redevelop various existing facilities and create new ones. These include an orientation centre, parking, food plaza, bhajan mandap, renovation of heritage tanks and drainage system and waste management.
It is expected the heritage redevelopment will enhance the attraction of Bhubaneswar as a tourist site and claim for a UNESCO Heritage Site will be stronger.
EoM