108-ft Buddha Statue to come up in Jajpur

In an endeavor to promote Buddhist tourism, the Odisha government has decided to set up 108 feet statue of Lord Buddha at Neulpur hill in Jajpur district. It was announced by Culture and Tourism Minister Ashok Panda. He alleged that although Buddhism has flourished in Odisha, the central government is not showing seriousness to declare Odisha as Buddhist circuit. Panda demanded to make Odisha as Buddhist circuit to promote Buddhist tourism in the state.

For this, the state government will set up 108 feet statue of Lord Buddha at Neulpur hill, 3 km from Chandikhol in Jajpur district, and Rs 14 crore have been sanctioned. The statue will be constructed in 30 acres of land at Neulpur hill and the government has already acquired 10 acres of land. The status of Lord Buddha in sitting posture will be made from Ferrocement and will be the one of the tallest statues in India.

The minister said that after acquiring the remaining 20 acres of land, the construction work of Lord Buddha statue would be expedited. And, five galleries will be organized at state museum. The Minister further said that besides the statue, the state government is planning to develop a Buddhist cluster in the areas. The site is surrounded by three other Buddhist heritage sites including Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri.

In order to promote Gandhi circuit, digital display hoarding will be installed across Bhubaneswar featuring Mahatma Gandhi.