Bhubaneswar: In a major step, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday approved the master plan for the development of Kantilo Nilamadhab temple in Nayagarh district.
The State Government will spend Rs 100 crore for the development of the famous temple. The development works will be completed in 18 months, according to a release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
The Chief Minister has sought cooperation of the local people and sevayats for the successful implementation of the project.
Naveen approved the master plan for the development of Nilamadhab Peetha after the detailed discussion about the project at a high level meeting, which was chaired by the Chief Minister.
The master plan mainly focuses on the restoration of the temple, smooth darshan by the devotees, improvement of the surrounding roads, protection of the banks of the river and the beautification of the riverside among others.
The four gates will be upgraded with the restoration of the steps leading to the shrine. Lift lobby and sky bridge will be arranged through the west gate of the temple. The east and west sides of the road will be widened to allow access to the temple. The east side road will be widened by 9 meters and the west side road by 12 meters.
Earlier, on the instructions of the Chief Minister, 5T Secretary VK Pandian had visited the famous shrine and held elaborate discussions with the sevayats, local people and district administration officials about the development of the temple and urged them to prepare a master plan.