The state tourism department today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) for execution of light and sound shows at Khadagiri-Udayagiri twin hills, peace pagoda Dhauli and Konark Sun Temple with an investment of nearly Rs 19 crore.
Ashok Kumar Tarenia, Director, state tourism department and Trinath Behera, Director (Finance) of ITDC inked the pact in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and state tourism and culture minister, Ashok Panda.
The light and sound show at Khandagiri-Udayagiri will be taken up at an cost of Rs 6.15 crore while it will be implemented at Dhauli and Konark at a cost of Rs 6.06 crore and Rs 6.56 crore respectively. The Union tourism ministry has sanctioned Rs 5 crore for each of the projects and the balance amount would be borne by the state government. The projects will be completed within a year. ITDC will be the executing agency for the projects.
The sites chosen for the light and show are frequented by domestic and international tourists. Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, the Sun Temple at Konark is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These projects will showcase the rich history and culture of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said, all these three sites represent the confluence of all faiths, namely, Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.
Complementing the tourism department for taking the initiative to implement the projects, which have potential to attract more tourists to the state, Patnaik hoped the proposed cultural shows will start within the time frame and much before the ensuing Nabakalebara festival due next year.
