Bhubaneswar : The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida chaired a high-level review meeting, today at Lokaseva Bhawan to discuss the integrated development, conservation and tourism management of Kedar Gouri, Khandagiri, Kapileshwar and Mukteshwar.
The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister directed the launch of a massive cleanliness and awareness campaign, with funds to be allocated by the concerned departments, stressing that heritage conservation, tourism promotion and environmental sustainability must progress together.
Based on observations made during the Deputy Chief Minister’s site visit, key issues such as scientific waste management in temple premises, desilting and rejuvenation of kunds and water bodies, drainage improvement, and maintenance of water sources were discussed in detail. It was directed to conduct site inspections and prepare a comprehensive action plan for drainage, pumping and maintenance works, under the jurisdiction of temple trust and concerned local bodies and hire the the technical team.
The meeting emphasised close coordination among Tourism department, BMC, ASI, Endowment Department and local administration to ensure sanitation, water quality and regular upkeep of monuments. Priority cleaning and pumping operations will be undertaken wherever required.
To improve the visitor experience, deployment of trained guides for dissemination of historical and cultural information was suggested. It was also decided to ensure the proper functioning of interpretation centres and creation of ramps and universal accessibility facilities at the sites in future.
Along with the Deputy Chief Minister the meeting was attended by Shri Balwant Singh, Commissioner Cum Secretary, Tourism Dept, Shri Lalatendu Jena, Commissioner of Endowment, Deepankar Mohapatra, Director, Tourism Dept, Satrughna Kar, Addl Secretary, H&UD Dept, Shri Chanchal Rana, Commissioner of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Representatives from the office of Superintendent of Archeology, ASI, Bhubaneswar Circle, Shri Amrit Ruturaj, Collector, Khordha, Dr. Manoranjan Sahu, Sub Collector, Khordha, Babu Singh, MLA, Ekamra.
