Over Rs four cr being spent for tourism infra in Ganjam

An amount of Rs 4.55 crore is being spent for the development of tourism infrastructure in 11 different sites in Ganjam district, an official said today.

The highest amount of Rs 50 lakh each has been allocated for Chandrakalpeswar peetha, Gangapur near Aska, Khunteswari, Kandhuni Debi and Ujaleswar temples, he said.

Rs 30 lakh each have been sanctioned for Chandraklapeswar temple, Haladiapadara, Panchama and for the construction of a trourist complex at Soneur, while Rs 20 lakh each have been provided for Biranchi Narayan and Ramachandi temples apart from the picturesque Budhakhola, he said.

Similarly, the state government has sanctioned Rs 1.05 crore for renovation and site development of the Panthasala at Girishola near here, he said.

"Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) has been asked to prepare the detailed project report for floating of tenders for the projects," said Ganjam District Tourist Officer, Sanatan Nayak.

The projects would include construction of roads, parking lots, drinking water, seating facilities and illumination. "We thank the government for sanction of funds for development of Panchama, where thousands of people visit on Ganesh Chaturthi," said MLA (Gopalpur) Pradeep Panigarhy.

Similiarly people from far-off places throng the 300-year-old Biranchi Narayan Temple, known as wooden Konark, on Samba Dashami to worship the Sun God or Surya Narayan, the presiding deity.

The temple built by Srikar Bhanja in 1790 AD is in the shape of a chariot of the Sun god drawn by seven horses. It is known for its wood carvings and mural paintings. The roof of the temple was earlier covered with copper plates. Now tiles have been fixed on it.

Sonepur, a picturesque seaside village in the district, is also a major tourist attraction. "More people will be drawn to the place once the tourist complex is ready," said the tourist officer.