Khordha:The ambitious development project for the historic Maa Bhagabati Temple at Banpur in Khordha district has gained momentum, with work on the temple complex and allied infrastructure progressing at a faster pace.The comprehensive project, aimed at improving the infrastructure and facilities at the renowned Shakti Peetha, includes interior development of the temple, external beautification, parking facilities and acquisition of land required for various components of the project. The overall estimated cost of the project has now risen to ₹42.16 crore, according to Banpur Block Chairman Amarendra Ranasingh. The development assumes significance as the Maa Bhagabati Temple attracts a large number of devotees and holds an important place in the religious and cultural life of Banpur. According to Ranasingh, an allocation of ₹33 crore had earlier been announced for the temple’s development and the foundation stone had also been laid during the previous government. However, the project could not make the expected progress as the necessary administrative and financial approvals and land acquisition processes had not been completed at the time.He said that after the present government assumed office, the required administrative and financial procedures were expedited and the project received the necessary approvals. In October 2024, administrative and financial approval was accorded for ₹32 crore for the temple development project. Subsequently, considering additional requirements and works, another ₹10.16 crore was added to the project in 2025, taking the total estimated cost to ₹42.16 crore. Following the approvals, various departmental activities connected with implementation of the project have been accelerated. Land acquisition remains one of the key components of the project. Since acquisition involves several administrative and legal procedures, certain difficulties had reportedly emerged during the process. However, efforts by the Khordha Sub-Collector and the Banpur Tahasildar have helped move the process forward and land acquisition is now in its final stage, Ranasingh said. He further said that local MLA and Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has been personally monitoring the progress of the project. To resolve issues relating to land acquisition and implementation, the Minister has reportedly held around 10 review meetings with affected people, administrative officials and engineers of the concerned technical departments. The meetings have focused on resolving bottlenecks and ensuring that the project progresses according to schedule. The upcoming Dussehra celebrations have added urgency to the ongoing works. Dussehra worship at Maa Bhagabati Temple is one of the major religious occasions in Banpur and attracts devotees in large numbers. Keeping this in view, the Minister has directed the concerned departments to complete the interior development works of the temple before the Dussehra festivities. Despite various constraints, departmental work is continuing on a priority basis.
Meanwhile, the external beautification works and construction of the parking stand have reportedly been completed, while the remaining works are being taken up for early completion.
The Minister has directed officials to complete the pending components as quickly as possible. The foundation stone laid earlier for the temple development project has also become a subject of discussion. Some persons had reportedly demanded its removal, alleging that the necessary administrative approval for the foundation stone was not available. However, Ranasingh said the Minister chose not to remove the foundation stone as a matter of courtesy.The Block Chairman also alleged that a section of people, despite being aware of the actual facts concerning the project, were spreading misleading information. He appealed to all concerned to refrain from such misinformation and not create obstacles to the implementation of the development project.He said that the development of a historic religious institution such as the Maa Bhagabati Temple should not become a subject of political controversy and appealed to all sections to extend cooperation for its successful completion.The Minister has reportedly directed the concerned departments to complete the entire Maa Bhagabati Temple development project by the end of the current year.
The completion of the project within the stipulated timeframe is expected to strengthen the infrastructure of the historic shrine and provide improved facilities for devotees and tourists visiting Banpur. However, when asked about Banpur Tehsildar Harapriya Mallick , she said that ‘while the inner development work of the temple is targeted to be completed by Dussehra, the outer development work is planned to be completed by the end of this year. Accordingly, since the land acquisition process is delayed, we are planning to purchase it directly from the stakeholders so that the said process will be completed soon’. At a time when differences of opinion and political allegations and counter-allegations have emerged over aspects of the project, the primary expectation of the people of Banpur is now the timely and effective execution of the development works. Coordinated efforts by the district administration, concerned departments, technical officials and local people will be crucial for removing the remaining bottlenecks and ensuring that the ₹42.16-crore project is completed within the prescribed deadline.
Maa Bhagabati Temple Development Project Gains Momentum
