Bhubaneswar, March 20 Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday directed authorities to immediately begin work on the proposed Rs 210-crore Mahanadi Riverfront Project and develop it as an attractive tourist destination.
The project, estimated to cost Rs 210 crore, will be constructed on 426 acres along the Mahanadi riverbank in Cuttack, officials said.
According to the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), a green belt will be created over 284 acres, while the remaining 142 acres will be used for tourism and cultural activities.
The project includes Odisha Haat, a heritage village, picnic areas, an interpretation centre, food courts, lawns, gardens, and the beautification of water bodies along the riverbank.
"All construction work will follow NGT guidelines," Majhi said.
Emphasizing the need to make the riverfront a national-level tourist attraction, the CM asked officials to study the Sabarmati Riverfront project in Gujarat.
"Complete all the initial processes as soon as possible and start the first phase of work immediately," he said.
In addition, Majhi also asked officials to beautify projects being constructed by the water resources department for the protection of the Mahanadi riverbanks.
Majhi has suggested beautifying the Dhabaleswar Temple and developing the road near the National Law University during the second phase of work.
He also advised officials to set up a cruise ship service on the Mahanadi to make it more attractive.
More funds will be provided if required for all these beautification works, he said.
