Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday laid the foundation stone for the development of Maa Manikeshwari temple in Thuamul-Rampur of Kalahandi district.
Rs 2 crore will be spent for this project. Describing Maa Manikeshwari as a symbol of faith and belief of lakhs of people, Patnaik said the development work would add glory to the shrine and develop tourism as well.
Notably, the development work of the shrine has commenced under 5T initiative. While stating that Maa Manikeshwari has bestowed her blessings on all of us, the CM said it is due to the deity’s blessings and efforts of the people that Kalahandi has been transformed today.
“Today Kalahandi is marching ahead with a new identity of development. Every family, every person of Kalahandi, be it a farmer or a worker, a youth, general public or women, all have contributed to this development. Kalahandi is marching ahead. Today Kalahandi’s farmers provide food to the entire country. The demand for Kalahandi’s cotton has increased. Industries have brought in new opportunities,” Patnaik stated.
Kalahandi University, Government Medical College and Government Engineering College have become the new identity for the youth in the district. There has been an improvement in the power supply too, he added.
PNN