Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday approved the redevelopment plan of the periphery of Taratarini Temple, the presiding deity of south Odisha districts, situated near Berhampur in Ganjam district.
Expressing his happiness over the development plan, the Chief Minister directed to complete the development work in time.
The redevelopment plan that aims to give a facelift to the ancient shrine includes renovation of Singhadwar Entrance with Pilgrim Amenities, Path way with drinking water facilities, Hilltop temple premises development which includes Prasad Sevan Mandap, Interpretation Centre, Mundan Hall and Public Toilet.
The approval came days after 5T Secretary VK Pandian visited the temple to review development works of the shrine.
As per the redevelopment plan, there will be many new additions which include Prasad Sevan Hall Interpretation Centre, Meditation Centre Rest Area, Food Kiosk, Drinking Water, Shoe Stand, Foot Wash, Waiting Area, Barrier Free Accessibility, Seating Benches, Rest Shed, Watch Tower, Police Outpost, First Aid Centre etc.
A Meditation Hall and view point over the hill top behind the temple will also be development.
Among others, Chief Advisor CMO R. Balkrishnan, ACS RD PK Jena, Principal Secretary Water Resources Surendra Kumar, Five T Secretary V K Pandian, Works Secretary Kishan Kumar were present.
Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange and other senior officers of the district were present
The Temple is one of the oldest Shakti Pithas of India and it will be developed keeping in view the Odisha style of architecture. The presentation was made by Narayan Tripathy of Nesters, a leading architect. The design aims at making it one of the most attractive religious tourist sites of the country.