Bhubaneswar: Prithviraj Harichandan, Odisha’s Minister for Law, Works, and Excise, has directed departmental officers to expedite the completion of the pending works related to the EKAMRA heritage project. During a review meeting held today, the Minister emphasized the need for better coordination among the concerned departments to ensure timely progress on the landmark project.
The meeting, chaired by Minister Harichandan, took place at the Nirman Sadan conference room and included key stakeholders such as Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, and Bhubaneswar Ekamra MLA Babu Singh. The officials engaged in an extensive discussion on the project’s progress, addressing critical issues like land acquisition, eviction of encroachments, and protection of ancient monasteries, temples, and heritage sites.
A major focus of the discussion was ensuring maximum compensation for landowners impacted by the project and the need for strict adherence to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) guidelines during construction activities. Minister Harichandan also urged utility agencies such as Watco and TPCODL to accelerate pending work in the project areas to avoid further delays.
In attendance were key officials including Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Home Affairs Department, Vir Vikram Yadav, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, and Khurda District Collector, Chanchal Rana, alongside senior officers from various departments.