The Samikhsya Bureau
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government is gearing up for a massive beautification drive of the world famous heritage site of Konark.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed his Government to expedite the drive in a bid to boost tourism in this region that is known as the Golden Triangle.
The spectacular Sun Temple, an architectural wonder of the world, is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha.
The Chief Minister’s direction for development of Konark comes close on the heels of his demand for an international airport at Puri.
As per the architectural plan that the Chief Minister unveiled recently, a 3.5-kilometre-long ring road around the monument would be developed besides developing all roads linking Konark.
The plan further includes landscaping of about 30 acres of area around the monument with an entry plaza and a multi-modal hub.
It also includes beautification of the open-air theatre.
“The special development plan of Konark has been on top of the Chief Minister’s agenda to transform some of the major heritage sites of Odisha in the international tourism map”, officials associated with the plan maintained.
One of the most visited Archaeological Survey of India protected sites in India, the Sun Temple generated a major chunk of revenue from tourism.
The ambitious agenda being implemented at a cost of Rs. 3,208 crores is known as ABADHA – Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture.
Konark apart, the ABADHA scheme seeks to ensure a major facelift for Puri’s Jagannath Temple and the Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar which are major attractions as cultural, religious and heritage destinations.
