Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, July 21: The state tourism department said it is ready to discuss modalities relating to the smooth functioning and operation of the light and sound project at the famous Dhauli Stupa on the outskirts of the city.
Top officials of the department and other stakeholders of the project would meet Wednesday to discuss the modalities related to the ambitious project. The meeting is likely to be attended by state tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda, tourism secretary Arabind Padhee, tourism director Anil Kumar Samal, members of the Dhauli Development Committee and members of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). The project is being executed by ITDC.
According to sources in the tourism department, the meeting is likely to focus on steps to be taken to ensure smooth functioning of the system besides deciding on whom to give handling rights. Either Orissa Tourism Development Corporation or the Dhauli Development Committee is likely to get the operation rights.
Confirming the scheduled meeting, an official from the tourism department said: “All stakeholders of the Dhauli light and sound project will meet Wednesday and discuss future course of action. Measures like ticket charges, commencement of date of the show, and operational rights are likely to be taken up for discussions.”
According to the ITDC project, the light and sound project at Dhauli will portray to visitors the rich heritage of Dhauli and will depict the story of the famous stupa in three different languages – Oriya, English and Hindi. Famous actors Om Puri, Bijay Mohanty and Kedar Desai would be featured in the videos during the shows.
ITDC is also planning to establish a light and sound show at the Konark Sun Temple to add to its existing global importance.
According to sources in the ITDC, work relating to the installation of the light and sound project is nearing completion. The show will soon be ready for public display and is awaiting approval from the concerned department.
The show is likely to be opened for public soon after officials at Wednesday’s meeting decide when to inaugurate it. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is likely to inaugurate the show at the historic site which is considered to be the battlefield of the historic Kalinga War.
Meanwhile, the meeting is also likely to discuss other issues relating to the development of the Buddhist site. According to sources, issues like installation of CCTV cameras en route to Dhauli, development of a bus stand and a lake near the shrine, and operational rights of Dhauli infrastructure are on the table to be discussed at the meet.
