The sixth-century old Buddhist site at Udayagiri in Jajpur district is being neglected by the authorities since long, for which large numbers of tourists are reluctant to visit the famous ancient monastery, said by Culture Minister Ashok Panda on Thursday.
The Minister, who visited Udayagiri along with local MlA Amar Satapathy and other senior officials, said that the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) dug only a portion of Udayagiri; however, they are yet to excavate other sites at the Buddhist spot.
Due to lack of space, many unearthed Buddha and other images are lying neglected at Udayagiri. The State Government would build a sculpture shed at the Buddhist site to keep all the excavated images of Buddha and others, informed Panda.
Appraising the Minister, Udayagiri Surakhya Mancha President Maheswar Bal said “Three years back, the State Government had decided to spent around Rs 2 crore to develop the Buddhist site of Udayagiri by building roads, museum, guest houses. But the authorities are yet to spend the money for development of Udayagiri”.
The State Government has constructed museum, guest houses and other developmental works for lalitagiri, Ratnagiri and langudi. But the authorities have neglected Udayagiri, he added. Besides, many persons have illegally encroached lands and hills near the Udayagiri.
The Minister assured the Samiti members that the Government would take necessary steps to develop the Buddhist site.