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The Odisha state government on July 12 sanctioned INR 20 crore for development of Gupteswar, the cave shrine of Lord Shiva, around 80 km from here in Boipariguda block. Official sources said the cave shrine will be transformed into a famous religious, historical and tourism spot of the state without disturbing the natural ecology.
According to a government release, the fund was sanctioned following the visit of 5T secretary V K Pandian to the cave shrine on February 3, during which he held discussions with the temple priests, committee members and locals regarding the shrine’s expansion for betterment of the devotees.
The government said that various innovative measures have been introduced, including the distribution of reusable cloth bags, waste process monitoring, and the creation of a yatra anthem for sustainable tourism. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has highlighted the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility towards the environment among the pilgrims.
Later, Pandian asked the district administration to submit a master plan for renovation of the temple and its adjoining areas. According to the master plan prepared by the administration, while the road leading to the temple will be developed, beautification of the entrance gate of the temple and the banks of the Saberi river flowing adjacent to the temple will be carried out too. Also, a designated parking area, new market complex, installation of decorative lights inside the cave to enhance its beauty, proper drainage system to ensure waste water doesn’t flow into the Saberi, renovation of bathing complex and a new market complex will be built to ensure hassle-free visit of the devotees.
“Landscaping of the area will be carried out and as the shrine is inside a reserve forest area, it will be developed without harming the natural ecology. Steps will be taken to check possible soil erosion,” the release stated.
Locals have hailed the government’s decision to develop Gupteswar. “As Gupteswar is the biggest tourist puller of the district and devotees in thousands from the state and bordering Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Chhattisgarh throng the cave temple round the year, development of the shrine is a welcome step,” said K C Sahu, an old-timer of Jeypore.
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