Bhubaneswar:The Odisha government has approved an ambitious ₹100-crore project to renovate and beautify the historic Baladevjew temple and its surrounding areas in Kendrapara. The decision was finalized during a high-level review meeting held in Bhubaneswar, Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced on Sunday.
During the meeting, Kendrapara Collector Raghuram R. Iyer presented the existing development blueprint and highlighted key issues related to the temple’s upkeep. He later informed the media that a comprehensive master plan has been drafted to transform the shrine and its peripheral zone. The project aims to enhance amenities for devotees by improving road connectivity, building a boundary wall, upgrading drinking water facilities, strengthening security, and beautifying the temple landscape.
Balabhadra Patri, Executive Officer of the Baladevjew temple, stated that approximately 47 nearby structures will soon be removed to facilitate the redevelopment. He assured that all displaced shopkeepers will receive rehabilitation benefits from the government.
He further noted that of the ₹10 crore sanctioned four years ago, ₹8 crore has already been utilized to construct a footpath, a mandap, additional rooms within the temple premises, and improved lighting systems. Renovation of two ponds is currently in progress. Additional funds will be released once land acquisition procedures are completed.
Patri also revealed that although the temple owns 720 acres of land, it currently holds only about 200 acres. Nearly 112 acres are under encroachment, with occupants neither cultivating crops for the temple nor paying any dues. Around 120 land-related disputes remain pending in civil courts.
The meeting was attended by Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda, Mahakalapada MLA Durga Prasan Nayak, and Endowments Commissioner Lalatendu Jena, among others.
