Brahmapur MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu raised the issue of delay in implementation of development works under the Ramayana Circuit scheme at Mahendragiri in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
He expressed concern over non-progress of the scheme at Mahendragiri and urged the Union Tourism Minister to expedite the scheme with allocating funds. At the same time, he also demanded that ASI should urgently take up the protection and conservation work of the ancient temples located at the hilltop.
Notably, Mahendragir in the Eastern Ghat has several mythological importance. There are five temples dedicated to Yudhistira, Bhima, Kunti etc at the top of the hill. There is a Sita Kunda, a water body also there.
Two years ago, the Central Government launched the Ramayana Circuit project under the Swadeshi Darshan Scheme. In the circuit, the Government included 15 tourist spots across the country having importance of the Ramayan era. Out of the 15 sites, Mahendragiri in Gajapati district is one.
Though the Odisha Government hailed the Center’s decision and people of Paralakhemundi were hopeful of development of the Mahendragiri hills, but unfortunately, the project is yet to be implemented at the site, even after two years of its launch.