CM Majhi lays foundation stone for Rs 313-crore integrated development projects of Maa Tarini Peetha at Ghatagaon
Bhubaneswar(By Abhishek Mohanty): “I felt the divine pull of the Mother today; I received the opportunity to serve Her.”
This is what Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said after laying the foundation stone for the integrated development of Maa Tarini shrine at Ghatagaon in Keonjhar district.
A long-awaited project for both Keonjhar district and Odisha has finally begun successfully.
Today at Ghatagaon, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the comprehensive development of Maa Tarini Peetha.
According to information, the integrated development project-approved with a total cost of Rs 313 crore-had its foundation stone laid, and the project is scheduled to be completed within one year.
During the event, the Chief Minister became emotional while speaking, stating that his 18-month-old plan is taking shape. He added that the government would work sincerely to develop Maa Tarini Peetha into a world-class religious and tourist destination.
He said that no obstacle would hinder the development of the shrine. “There is no shortage of funds, because this development is happening with the blessings of Maa,” he remarked.
The approved Rs 313-crore budget for beautification of the temple and improvement of surrounding areas will be fully utilised within a year, ensuring that pilgrims will have access to all facilities within that time.
Additionally, the CM announced that more funds will be added to the project to build residential facilities for the temple servitors (Dehuri community). He directed the Works Department and the District Collector to take necessary steps and prepare a DPR for this purpose.
The development project, spread across approximately 60 acres, will include a 216-bed Yatri Nivas, pilgrim amenities centre, interpretation centre,
food plaza, watch tower, market complex, coconut warehouse, large Prasad hall for 500 people, toilet blocks, dressing rooms, shoe stands,
ticket counters, hand- and foot-washing areas and restrooms for drivers.
There will also be improvements to the connecting roads, parking facilities, and beautification of four ponds near the shrine.
CM Majhi highlighted Keonjhar’s vast natural resources and its place in Odisha’s heart, adding that the process for setting up a Mega Steel Plant in Keonjhar is already underway and that its foundation stone will soon be laid.
Keonjhar, like Rourkela and Jajpur, will become a major steel hub, contributing significantly to Odisha’s economy. The government has decided to upgrade all industrial and mining routes to six-lane roads, and most major roads in the district will be expanded accordingly. A ring road will also be developed at Barbil.
Several economic zones are being developed across Odisha, and steps are being taken to transform the Keonjhar–Barbil–Joda belt into a strong economic zone.
Many development projects are in progress in Keonjhar and will be inaugurated soon.
