Union minister asks IOF to fast track Konark Interpretation

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has asked the officials of Indian Oil Foundation Trust (IOF) to finish the proposed state-of-the-art 'Interpretation Centre' project at the Sun Temple of Konark in Odisha by April, next year.
The minister, who reviewed progress of tourist facilities and peripheral development for the Sun Temple recently, opined that in view of Lord Jagannath's 'Nabakalebara' festival to be celebrated at Puri next year, the project must be over by April 2015, an official release said.
The proposed state-of-the-art Interpretation Centre will have facilities like Audio-Visual Centre, descriptive galleries and souvenir shops illuminating the tourists about the history and scientific thoughts behind the Sun Temple architecture As well as the rich cultural and historical tradition of Odisha.

It was decided that work for the Interpretation Centre would commence in September.
The IOF, floated by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC) and entrusted to develop the project with an expenditure of about Rs.36 crore, gave a detailed presentation on the facilities proposed to be constructed at Konark.
The IOF apprised the minister of the progress on various segments of the project. It was informed by the IOF that the construction work came to a halt due to encroachment of land, proposed to be developed.
The Minister agreed to take up the matter with state government in this regard, the release said.