In a significant move aimed at boosting religious tourism and regional infrastructure, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the long-awaited integrated development project of the Maa Tarini shrine in Ghatagaon, Keonjhar. The ambitious project, valued at Rs 312 crore, comes with a strict one-year deadline for completion.
A World-Class Pilgrimage Destination
Addressing a gathering at the event, Chief Minister Majhi declared the state government's unwavering commitment to transforming the sacred site into a world-class religious and tourist hub. He expressed confidence that with the divine blessings of Maa Tarini, there would be no hindrances in the shrine's development and assured that funds would not be a constraint. The sanctioned sum of Rs 313 crore for the temple's beautification and development will be utilized within the next twelve months, he affirmed.
The CM also announced plans for constructing a dedicated building for the temple priests. He issued immediate directives to the Public Works Department to initiate necessary steps and instructed the District Collector to prepare a detailed project report for the same.
Comprehensive Development of the Shrine Complex
As per official sources, the extensive development work, spread across approximately 60 acres, will encompass a wide array of facilities designed to enhance the pilgrim experience. The project's scope includes:
- Construction of a 216-bed pilgrim residence (Yatri Niwas).
- A modern pilgrim centre and an explanation centre.
- A food plaza, a watch tower, and a market complex.
- A coconut warehouse and a massive prasad hall capable of accommodating 500 devotees.
- Essential amenities like toilet blocks, a cloak room, shoe stands, ticket counters, hand-and-foot washing areas, and a restroom for drivers.
Additionally, several ancillary projects will be implemented, including the improvement of roads leading to the temple, expansion of parking facilities, and the beautification of four ponds surrounding the area.
Keonjhar: The Future Steel City and Economic Powerhouse
Chief Minister Majhi positioned Keonjhar at the heart of Odisha's future development narrative. Describing the district as a treasure trove of natural resources and the very heart of the state, he revealed that the process for establishing a mega steel plant in Keonjhar is already in motion, with its foundation stone to be laid soon. He assured citizens that Keonjhar would follow in the footsteps of Rourkela and Jajpur, emerging as a major steel city and contributing significantly to Odisha's economy.
To support this industrial vision, Majhi announced a massive infrastructure overhaul. The state government has decided to convert all industrial and mining area roads into six-lane highways. Almost all roads in Keonjhar district will be upgraded to six lanes, complemented by the construction of a costly ring road. The Keonjhar-Barbil-Joda region is being developed into a robust economic zone for the state.
Highlighting central government collaboration, Majhi mentioned the ongoing construction of an eight-lane road from Paradip to Barbil, with work progressing from Paradip to Chandikhol and survey work underway from Chandikhol to Badabil. Specific projects for Keonjhar include a Rs 2,300 crore four-lane ring road in Barbil, a Rs 428 crore bypass road in Keonjhar, and a four-lane road leading to the district headquarters hospital.
The CM unveiled a slew of other major projects for the district, including:
- A Rs 168 crore Tech Park.
- A Rs 150 crore Data Centre from OKAC.
- A Rs 150 crore Textile Park in Balabhadrapur.
- A Rs 187 crore Data Recovery Centre on the Dharanidhar University campus.
- The Rs 103 crore Raisuan Airstrip.
- A Rs 180 crore Keonjhar Stadium.
- A Rs 50 crore Regional Plant Research Centre at Sanaghagara.
In a staggering revelation, Majhi stated that when combining the schemes of the central and state governments, along with District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and Om Barsi funds, there are projects worth a colossal Rs 35,000 crore in the Keonjhar district alone. He pledged that every rupee would be spent on Keonjhar's comprehensive development.
Linking the district's progress to broader national goals, the Chief Minister said that developed Odisha means inclusive development for every citizen. He emphasized that Keonjhar would play a special role in fulfilling the state's goal of building a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and India's ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047, positioning Odisha as the country's growth engine.
