Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of the Rs 280-crore Ekamra Project at the Lingaraj Temple here. 
On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated shopkeepers and individuals, who had given up their land for the beautification and transformation project. A three-day Bhumi Pujan ceremony was undertaken at the shrine which ended on Wednesday. The ceremony was organised by the Lingaraj Temple Trust Board to highlight the cultural heritage of Ekamra Kshetra.
The Odisha government launched the Ekamra Prakalp, also known as the Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action Plan, 2019. With an allocated area of 80 acres in the region of the Lingaraj Temple, including various monuments, holy tanks, and water bodies, the Ekamra Project aims to recreate the magnificence of this ancient heritage zone. The focus of the project the focus will be on restoring the architectural and archaeological treasures of Ekamra Kshetra.
The first phase of the project will involve the restoration of the area’s heritage, construction of a 12-18-m wide mixed traffic lane for smooth vehicular movement, and 4-10 meter wide shaded walkways to ensure pedestrian flow. Parking facilities will be relocated to the outer periphery of the area to reduce congestion. In addition, a 300 sq meter temple facility will be constructed for the convenience of pilgrims.
A 1,600 sq meter Information & Control Centre will also be developed to cater to emergency services.
The Lingaraj Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Bindu Sagar, and other nearby temples have been illuminated on the occasion.
