The Odisha government today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) for introduction of light and sound shows at the twin hills of Khandagiri-Udayagiri, Shanti Stupa at Dhauli and the Sun Temple at Konark.
The estimated cost of the light and sound project for Khandagiri-Udayagiri, Dhauli and Konark was Rs 6.15 crore, Rs 6.06 crore and Rs 6.56 crore respectively.
The Union Tourism ministry has sanctioned Rs 5 crore for each of the projects, while the balance amount would be borne by the state government, an official statement said.
As per the MoU, signed in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, ITDC has been entrusted with the implementation of these projects as executing agency.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the three heritage sites of Odisha represent confluence of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.
The MoU was signed by Ashok Kumar Tarenia, director, Odisha Tourism and Trinath Behera, director (Finance) of IDTC.
Complementing the efforts of the state tourism department to attract more tourists to the state, Patnaik thanked ITDC for its association in the projects and hoped they become operational in the specified time frame and much before the Nabakalebara festival scheduled next year.
