CUTTACK
: The
Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) has approved state government's
Barabati Fort
Integrated Development Project clearing the decks for the facelift of the fort's moat area with an investment of Rs 5 crore.
A 2.5-km stretch of moat surrounds the 105 acres Barabati Fort that was declared a protected monument in 1915. Approval of ASI was sought as it is the custodian of the protected area. The
Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) will execute the project to develop the vacant land near the moat on the western side of the fort.
OTDC officials said though work orders had been finalised the project had not made any headway pending ASI's approval. "Now that we have received the approval of ASI, the private party that has been given the work order can go ahead with the execution of the project," OTDC executive engineer Nirmal Das told TOI on Tuesday. He said the project is expected to be completed within the next eight months.
As part of the project, OTDC will construct a building with an auditorium for an interpretation centre and come up with a gallery equipped with facilities to initiate visitors into the history of Cuttack in the Barabati Fort. "Inside the Interpretation Centre kiosks as well as souvenir and memorabilia shop will be set up. Toilets, lavatories and other basic amenities would be also provided to the visitors," Das said. "The area around the building will be developed and pathways will be created along the moat with landscaping of the vacant area there," he said.