Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has set the deadline of end of the year for completion of the ongoing Ekamra Development Project in Old Town of Bhubaneswar.
5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman VK Pandian on Friday issued the direction in this regard to the officials during his visit to the project site on Friday.
He inspected all elements of the development plan starting with parking space near Sanitarium Chhak, where besides bus parking and car parking, tourist conveniences, vending zone and Lingaraj police station will be constructed.
Focusing on the rehabilitation of the shopkeepers and the vendors, he said their livelihood must be ensured in all possible ways. Reviewing the land requirements for the alternative road from Kotitirtheswar to Taleswar parallel to Bindusagar road, he advised BMC to hand over balance land wherever required for construction of drains.
He also inspected the area behind the Ananta Vasudev Temple, the location of open Bhajan Mandap and Lingaraj Plaza area and advised to plan the foundation for queue management system in a manner not to disturb the landscape during annual requirements like Sivaratri. Scientific management of traffic was discussed during the review.
To promote a clean environment around the temple, battery operated vehicles will be used to ferry passengers around the temple.
He also inspected the south side of the Parikrama and OAR, and the alternative bypass road planned near Badheibank Chhak. He advised to plan for smooth curves at all crossings and expedite the land acquisition process.
During the visit, principal secretary, Works; BMC Commissioner; Collector, DCP, OBCC MD and other senior officers were present.