Union Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a world-class tourist facilitation centre and an interpretation centre at the Sun temple at Konark on the occasion of the Utkal Divas on Sunday.
Addressing a meeting, Pradhan said the Sun Temple is Odisha’s pride and it is important that the world is made aware of the temple’s architectural marvel and the interpretation centre and the facilitation centre are a step in that direction.
He said the centres would be beneficial for photographers, tourist guides and small traders of the area to earn their livelihoods.
Pradhan said the marvel needs to be preserved, decorated and beautified for which collective responsibility is needed. “I urge the State Government to come forward in the process and I assure all possible assistance from the Central Government for betterment of Konark,” he added.
He complemented Padma Vibhushan Raghunath Mahapatra for recreating sculptural wealth of the Konark Sun Temple at the interpretation centre for the benefit of visitors. He further said the modern amenities would attract more tourists in coming days.
The Union Minister also made a proposal to the State Government for setting up of an international stone sculpture training institute at Konark.
Mentioning about the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit last year, he said PM had taken stock of the intricate stone carvings and talents behind and awarded many sculptors of Odisha.
He further urged the State Government to expedite the construction of the proposed 452-km long coastal highway project from Odisha’s Gopalpur to Digha in West Bengal.
Unesco Representative Shigeru Aoyagi said the international organisation is continuously working for promotion of heritage monuments like the Sun Temple at Konark across the world.
He hoped that the centres would not only educate the tourists about the rich history of the temple but also throw light on the natural and cultural heritage of Odisha.
National Gallery of Modern Art Director General Adwaita Charan Gadanayak, Indian Oil Chairman Sanjiv Singh, Engineers India limited CMD JC Nakra, Padma Vibhushan Raghunath Mahapatra, Padma Shri Sudarshan Sahoo, Padma Shri Prabhakar Maharana and Indian Oil Director (HR) Ranjan Mahapatra also spoke.
The Indian Oil Foundation has developed both the centres at a cost of Rs 45 crore.
Earlier in the day, Pradhan inaugurated the ‘Nua Odisha Nirmana Abhijan' at Chandrabhaga sea beach organised by a social organisation 'Prachi Trust'. Thousands of youths took pledge before the rising Sun to work for formation, development and betterment of Odisha.