State Planning Board Member Rama Chandra Panda laid foundation-stone of a much-awaited Bhagabata Mandap in the premises of the famous Saiva Pitha Jhadeswar temple under Ganjam block here on Monday.
A brief ceremonial meeting was held to mark the inaugural event in the temple premises which was presided over by Ganjam Block former chairman and BJD youth leader Surath Pahan.
Director of Culture Bijaya Kumar Nayak assured to make all out efforts to take this heritage temple under the control of Culture Department, so that the long cherished development works of this old temple can be better protected and expedited under the patronage of Culture Department.
Ganjam Zilla Parishad President Subash Chandra Behera and Vice-President Snehalata Panda and State Archaeological Department Joint Secretary Sanghamitra Satapathy were guests of honour.
The speakers in their address hailed the efforts of the State Planning Board Member Panda for his personal efforts to protect the heritage monuments including temples and forts of Ganjam district.
Panda granted an initial grant of Rs 2 lakh out of ‘Special Problem Fund” in which the present work of the Bhagabat Mandap started.
Among others, Ganjam block Vice-Chairperson. Meenati Pradhan, Zilla Parishad Member K Santosh Reddy, Sarpanch Chandra Mohan Sahu, Shyama Reddy, Niranjan Reddy, and Santosh Sethi and hundreds of residents of nearby villages were present.
