Bhubaneswar: Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday asked the Archaeological Survey of India and the Puri district administration to complete beautification work of the Sun Temple at Konark before the ensuing Navakalebara festival of Lord Jagannth next year.
Pradhan gave the direction after visiting the temple and reviewing the progress of the beautification works. Indian Oil Charitable Foundation has already sanctioned Rs 35 crore for beautification work of the Sun Temple.
The ASI has been entrusted with the job of conservation and beautification of the temple.
"Completion of beautification work of the Konark Temple will attract a large number of national and international tourists," Pradhan said.
Pradhan said as lakhs of people are likely to visit Puri to witness Lord Jagannath's Nabakalebara festival, the ASI should complete its beautification works before the deadline.