Bhubaneswar, August 4: A high-level meeting was held at the Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday to review the comprehensive development plan for the Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur in the Puri district.

The meeting, jointly chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism Pravati Parida and Law and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, focused on the development of the temple's Bijesthali and the beautification of its surrounding areas, while emphasising improved basic amenities for devotees and tourists.

Discussions also focused on renovation of the main temple, construction of a new temple kitchen (Roshaghara), development of parking facilities, construction of a Sevayat Bhawan, modernisation of the Yatri Niwas and Chandan Ghat, establishment of Prasad shops, and construction of a heritage gateway.

The meeting also deliberated on the second phase of the integrated development project, which includes the development of a picnic zone, construction of a heritage ghat on the Prachi River, a dedicated bridge, a children's park, a temple administrative office, and a shoe stand. Officials were directed to conduct the necessary surveys and submit a detailed report for these proposed works.

Addressing the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Parida said that the Maa Mangala Temple, a renowned Shakti Peetha at Kakatpur, is a centre of faith and devotion for millions of devotees.

“The Government has accorded top priority to the temple's holistic development and to ensuring better facilities for pilgrims, adding that continuous efforts are being made to achieve this objective,” said Parida.

Law and Works Minister Harichandan said that Maa Mangala Temple holds deep emotional and religious significance not only for the people of Odisha but also for devotees from across the country.

He directed the Works Departmental officials to prepare a comprehensive development blueprint.

The meeting was attended by OBCC Managing Director Anupam Saha, Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra, Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, Endowment Commissioner Satyanarayan Sadangi, Engineer-in-Chief (Civil) Satyabrata Behera, Engineer-in-Chief (Buildings) Priyabrata Samantaray, Chief Engineer Trinath Behera, along with members of the Temple Trust Board and Sevayats.