A ‘Special Area Development Authority’ will be constituted for development of ancient Buddhist Archaeological site of Sirpur in Mahasamund district.
About 35 villages around Sirpur would be included in the Authority which will be constituted under Section 64 of the Urban and Rural Investment Act 1973. A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Raman Singh here on Thursday.
After the meeting, the Chief Minister informed that planned and systematic development of these 35 villages including Sirpur will be done. This will benefit about 9144 hectares area and 22000 people. This will also help in rapid development of all facilities in the area. Singh said that the government intends to develop Sirpur and the villages in its periphery. Therefore, it was decided to constitute the Special Area Development Authority.
He further said that the Government is trying to get World Heritage status for Sirpur and a new identity for it in the international tourism map. Once the Authority is constituted, it will push the development of tourist facilities in the area. Chairman and Vice-Chairman would be appointed for Special Area Development Authority besides Archaeological Expert, Engineer, Surveyor, Revenue Inspector and Patwari.
Discussions were also held for preparations related to budget of the new financial year 2015-16 in view of the budget session of the State Assembly.
The officials said that Sirpur has 1500 years old history. It was considered as the ancient capital of South Koshal and was called at Shreepur. It enjoyed the reputation as confluence of cultures of Buddhism, Vaishnav, Shaiv and Jainism.