Bargarh, Jan 12: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today announced that an impressive permanent palace will be built in Bargarh town at a cost of 12.8 crore.
Attending the ongoing Dhanu Jatra at Bargarh town, the Chief Minister said Rs 80 crore has been earmarked for the creation of an anicut over Jira River.
Besides, Rs 30 crore has been allocated for the beautification of the Bargarh canal, he said.
The Chief Minister made the announcements at the court of Kansa Maharaj, the prime attraction of the internationally celebrated Dhanu Jatra festival.
Majhi rode an elephant to reach the court of King Kansa from Kalyan Mandap area at Bargarh.
Bargarh MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi, Attabira MLA Nihar Ranjan Mahanand, Bijepur MLA Sanat Kumar Gartia and Bhatli MLA Irasis Acharya among others were present on the occasion.
“I am thankful to Kansa Maharaj for the invitation to his court. This festival is a reflection of our rich culture. Carrying out the order of Kansa Maharaj and the demand of Bargarh people, our government has increased the grant for the festival from Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 1 crore,” said Majhi.
He also informed that a special committee has been formed to provide UNESCO status to the festival.
The government also announced to provide an honorarium of Rs 10,000 each to as many as 170 prominent artistes associated with the festival.
The annual festival, considered as the largest open-air theatre in the world, was inaugurated on January 3. It is scheduled to conclude with the death of Kansa Maharaj on January 13.
The entire Bargarh town is decked up as Mathura while nearby Ambapali village turns into mythological Gopapura for the drama-based open-air theatrical performance.
The Jeera river, located close to the town, is considered as Yamuna during Dhanu Jatra.
