5T secretary visits Maa Samalei temple development project
![](https://middayonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-4-copy-24.jpg)
Sambalpur: Directed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian visited the Maa Samaleswari Temple project popularly known as SAMALEI- Maa Samaleswari Temple Area Management and Local Economic Initiative today.
The project is being developed in an area of about 30 acres and about 25 acres has already been acquired for the project. The work of the project is in progress.
Shri Pandian today started his visit by offering prayers at the temple of Maa Samleswari.
He interacted with the large gathering of pilgrims and then visited the entire site where construction of the heritage pond complex, podium, Queue Management System, Cloak Room and other associated components are going on. He directed the engineers to speed up the work so that it should be completed in time.
After viewing the plaza area with the heritage welcome gates under construction on three sides, he examined the heritage corridor under construction. The 5T secy asked the officers to project local heritage in an attractive manner.
He also inspected the vending zone, information counter, Pilgrim facility and Temple facility center and an iconic watch tower which are under fast progress.
Pandian stressed on adequate shade by plantations. He also asked to expedite procurement of all finishing items.
Moving on to the river front area, Pandian instructed the finalisation of design for an iconic foot over bridge and to expedite progress of pitching and the river front column foundation works.
The 5T secretary also visited the crematorium construction site and instructed to design the colours with lighter themes. He also interacted with the local people and took feedback from them on various developmental issues.
It is to be noted that the Samalei project is being executed under the 5T initiative.
Principal secretary works, Sambalpur Collector, MD OBCC and other senior officers, president of the temple trust board were present during the visit.