Union Min Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates world class ‘tourist interpretation centre’ at Konark

KalingaTV News Network

Konark: Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a world class tourist facilitation centre and an interpretation centre at Konark Sun Temple here on the occasion of Utkal Divas today.

“The world heritage needs to be preserved, decorated and beautified and not only the Indian Oil Corporation, but it is the collective responsibility of all other organisations to work towards it. I appeal the Odisha Government to come forward in this direction and assure it of all possible assistance from the Centre for the betterment of Konark Sun Temple. The facilitation centre and the interpretation centre would be extremely beneficial for the photographers, tourist guides and small traders who earn through tourism,” said Pradhan while addressing a gathering on the occasion.

The Indian Oil Foundation has developed both the centres at the UNESCO World Heritage Site at a cost of Rs 45 crore. The Tourist Facilitation Centre has been equipped with separate parking bays for buses, cars and two wheelers along with driver’s facility block, cafeteria, toilets and drinking water facility.

Sources said that the main avenue leading to the temple from outer ring road has been beautifully decorated with water bodies and landscaping.