Ghanteswari shrine awaits facelift

Lakhs of tourists, both domestic and international, visit the Ghanteswari temple during the peak tourism season. Basic tourist amenities, including a rest house, public toilet, however, are non-existent.

Located in the foothills of Lamei Dungri (Dungri meaning hill), near Chiplima hydro electric power station, on the banks of the river Mahanadi, Ghanteswari’s prime attractions are the innumerable bells on its premises.

These bells of different sizes and shapes, are believed to have existed here from a very early period, even before the erection of this temple.

As the name signifies, the temple has derived its name from the ‘Ghanta’ or brass bells which are offered to the deity by the devotees as votive wish.

Although the State Government had eight months back sanctioned funds for the facelift of the temple, no work has been initiated yet. Sources said about Rs 27.85 lakh has been sanctioned for the development of Ghanteswari temple. Since the temple is located on a forest land, the Forest Department was asked to execute the work which comprises widening of approach road of the Ghanteswari temple, boating facilities in the nearby Mahanadi, stone patch work, sitting arrangement for tourists and public toilets.

The Forest Department had convened a meeting on the project and a blueprint along with the work estimate was submitted to the Tourism Department for approval. However, it is learnt that the Tourism Department is sitting over it, resulting in delay. Forest Range Officer, Sambalpur, Subash Chandra Khuntia said the project was pending approval with the Director of Tourism and once they get the nod, work would be executed.