A much-needed ‘Bindu Sagar Cleaning Project’ was launched here on Saturday.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the project virtually at a programme attended by Union Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the Ekamra Kshetra (Old Bhubaneswar).
Patnaik extended his gratitude to Pradhan, IOCL Chairman and Institute of Chemical Technology’s VC for their cooperation for cleaning of the holy Bindu Sagar under the State Government’s 5T programme.
“Ekamra Kshetra Yojana is functional under 5T programme. The Bindu Sagar cleaning initiative is part of the project to keep the most sacred lake clean,” Patnaik said.
“Since the lake is connected with people’s cultural and traditional vibes and symbolises national integration, collective efforts should be made to maintain its sanctity,” he said.
Apart from the Bindu Sagar, he stressed on renovation of all ponds and lakes at the Ekamra Kshetra, the seat of Lord Lingaraj, for future purpose.
He said the temple city Bhubaneswar is a gift of Lord Lingaraj and it is everyone’s duty to keep it clean.
Dharmendra Pradhan said the Archaeological Survey of India would provide its full cooperation to expedite the Ekamra Yojana. “We all need to work together to take the rich heritage of Odisha on world stage,” he added.
Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, Rajya Sabha member Padma Bibhushan Raghunath Mohapatra and State Works Minister Prafulla Mallick and Culture & Tourism Minister Ashok Chandra Panda were present at the event.
The Bindu Sagar Cleaning Project would be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 70 lakh under the CSR programme of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). The scheme is to be completed in four months.