Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today laid the foundation stone for a comprehensive development project at the revered Maa Tarini temple in Ghatgaon, Keonjhar district, marking the start of a Rs 312 crore initiative to transform the site into a world-class religious and tourism destination.
The project, long-awaited by locals and devotees, is set to be completed within the next year.
In an emotional address at the event, CM Majhi expressed his gratitude, stating, “Maa’s grace has touched me, and I have been given the opportunity to serve her.” He highlighted that this development fulfils a plan he envisioned 18 months ago, emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring no obstacles hinder the progress. “There is no shortage of funds because this work is being done with Maa’s blessings,” he added.
The integrated development spans approximately 60 acres and includes a range of modern facilities for pilgrims and visitors. Key features encompass a 216-bed yatri niwas (pilgrim accommodation), a pilgrim centre, an interpretation centre, a food plaza, a watch tower, a market complex, a coconut warehouse, a large prasad sevan hall for 500 people, toilet blocks, cloakrooms, shoe stands, ticket counters, hand and foot washing areas, and restrooms for drivers. Additionally, the project involves road upgrades connecting to the temple, parking facilities, and the beautification of four sacred ponds.
Beyond the temple, CM Majhi announced additional provisions for the temple’s servitors (dehuris), including the construction of residential quarters. He directed the Works Department to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for this, integrating it with the main project.
The Chief Minister criticised the previous government’s allocation of only Rs 50 crore for the temple’s development, calling it “a drop in the ocean.” He underscored Keonjhar’s significance as Odisha’s “heart” and a treasure trove of natural resources, noting that the district has contributed immensely but received far less in return.
In a series of announcements for Keonjhar’s overall growth, CM Majhi revealed plans to establish a mega steel plant, positioning the district as Odisha’s third steel hub alongside Rourkela and Kalinganagar in Jajpur. The process for the steel plant’s foundation stone laying is underway and expected soon.
Infrastructure boosts include an eight-lane road from Paradip to Barbil (with construction ongoing from Paradip to Chandikhole and surveys for the rest), a four-lane ring road in Barbil costing Rs 2,300 crore, and a bypass in Keonjhar worth Rs 428 crore. Other projects encompass a four-lane road to the district headquarters hospital, a Rs 168 crore tech park, a Rs 150 crore data centre by O-Hub, a Rs 150 crore textile park in Balabhadrapur, a Rs 187 crore data recovery centre at Dharanidhar University campus, a Rs 103 crore airstrip at Raisuan, a Rs 180 crore stadium in Keonjhar, and a Rs 50 crore Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) at Sanaghagara, among others.
Combining funds from central and state government schemes, District Mineral Foundation (DMF), Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC), and other sources, over Rs 35,000 crore is earmarked solely for Keonjhar’s development. “The process to build a golden Keonjhar has begun,” declared the CM, envisioning the district as a robust economic zone in the Keonjhar-Barbil-Joda region.
Majhi tied these initiatives to broader goals, stating that a developed Odisha means inclusive growth for every citizen. He reiterated the state’s role in making India a developed nation by 2047, with Odisha serving as the country’s growth engine by 2036. “Keonjhar will play a special role in this grand objective,” he said.
Upon arrival in Ghatgaon, the Chief Minister was welcomed with a grand roadshow from RC Primary School to the temple. He offered prayers at Maa Tarini before performing the groundbreaking ceremony.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including BJP state president Manmohan Samal, Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak, Bhadrak MP Abhimanyu Sethi, Jajpur MP Rabindra Narayan Behera, and several MLAs from the region, along with Keonjhar District Collector Vishal Singh.
This project not only enhances spiritual tourism but also promises economic upliftment for Keonjhar, aligning with the government’s vision for a prosperous Odisha.
