The Tourism Department has sanctioned Rs1 crore to develop infrastructure near the Budhi Thakurani Temple here.
This project would include a public convenience centre, parking space and drinking water facilities, said Ganjam Tourism Officer Sanatan Nayak, adding that the department would consult the temple committee and locals about it.
The Government has sought half an acre of land near the temple for setting up of these facilities. The temple is famous for the biennial month-long Thakurani Yatra.
Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Panda had announced to accord festival status to this Yatra during his visit to Chhatrapur. It would be the sixth festival in the State to get the status. “We’ll pursue the Government for an early notification on it,” said Brahmapur MlA RC Chyaupatnaik.
The existing festivals having this status are Dhanu Yatra of Bargarh, Parab of Koraput, Konark Festival and Mukteswar Utsav and Rajarani Utsav of Bhubaneswar.