The Peace Pagoda and Buddhist shrine known as Shanti Stupa built in 1972 by collaborative efforts of Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha and Government of Odisha is completing its 50th year in 2022.
A high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suresh Mahapatra on Thursday for commemorating the historic occasion with celebration of its golden jubilee.
The main celebration would be held on October 28. It was estimated that around 150 monks from different parts of the globe would join the celebration. A peace march would be held from Bhubaneswar to Dhauli.
Mahapatra directed the concerned departments to complete the structural preservation and beautification works by the end of current month. The Government has provided Rs 1.87 crore for these works. A pathway around the Stupa would also be developed.
Padma Bibhusan sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo and the chief monk of the Peace Pagoda were present in the meeting.
The issues relating to renovation of the existing platform, restoration of light-and-sound show, trimming of the trees obstructing the complete view of the Stupa, maintenance of streetlights, relocation of craft bazaar and shopping complex to a conspicuous site were resolved in the meeting.
Mahapatra directed that the maintenance of the tourist facilities at Dhauli would be done by the Dhauli Development Committee.