The much awaited Bhumi Pujan at river Rushikulya Baruni Ghat was held by BJD Rajya Sabha Member Pratap Keshari Deb at the lord Tumbeswar Peetha, Pratappur, 30 km from here.
Attending the event, local MlA Purnna Chandra Sethi announced an amount of Rs 5 lakh for construction of Baruni Ghat adjacent to the river embankment for which the Chief Minister has already sanctioned a grant of Rs 25 lakh for construction of river bank protection wall.
Significantly, hundreds of men and women, including saints, participated in the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Deb sought the cooperation of the local people as well as the Government to cooperate the sacred mega project for construction of the Baruni Ghat. Deb further said that he will apprise the Government to have a check dam near the site for storage of water for the pilgrims as well as for the purpose of irrigation. He also requested the organizers to hold the Rushikulya Mahotsav on the bank of the Ghat every year to attract the tourists and to boost the economy of the region.
State Planning Board member Rama Chandra Panda expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister for sanction of the financial grant.
Mention may be made that Out of the ancient Saiva Peethas in India, the one of lord Tumbeswar located at Pratappur under Purushottampur block, 25 km from here and close to the bank of river Rushikulya, has a unique history and is a tourist place in Ganjam district from time immemorial.