The Tourism department has decided to erect a ropeway system at the Dhauli Hill, a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site having a Peace Pagoda. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda here on Saturday. The ropeway system would be erected as part of the development initiatives and is aimed at attracting more tourists to the site.
Besides, it was decided that the check-gate of the State Bridge Construction Corporation at the beginning of connecting road would be lifted and plying of heavy vehicles into the area would be prohibited. Only light four-wheelers would be allowed to go from the foothill to near the monument.
Similarly, the Minister has directed the concerned officials to take steps to acquire land required for the development of the area. It was also revealed that the monument and its surrounding areas would be decorated with lights and the department would henceforth take responsibility for infrastructural development of the area.
Among others, Tourism and Culture Secretary Dr Aravind Padhee, Khordha district Collector Niranjan Sahoo, Works Secretary Er Nalini Pradhan, Deputy Police Commissioner Satyabrat Bhoi and Transport Department Deputy Commissioner Manoranjan Pradhan were present.