Gaya: Setting at rest speculation over the likely impact of the govt order banning construction activities in parts of Gaya town to facilitate the preparation of the master plan and satellite township development project, municipal commissioner Abhishek Palasia said the ban would not affect the execution of the Vishnupad Corridor plan, as its ambit is limited to only two wards of the Gaya Municipal Corporation, both located far from the Vishnupad area of the city.According to Abhishek Palasia, construction activity and land transactions have been banned in wards number 29 and 46 of the Gaya Municipal Corporation area. While ward number 29 is situated on the western outskirts of the holy town, ward number 46 lies in the southern part of the city. Apart from these two wards, no other part of the city falls under the ban.Asked about the demolition of structures in the shrine vicinity for the widening of the approach road and overall beautification of the area, the municipal commissioner said only the minimum required demolition of structures will be carried out to minimise public inconvenience. A survey of the area has already been conducted to identify the building structures slated for demolition.As per the plan, the width of the approach road to the shrine from the Chand Chauraha side will be doubled from the existing 12 metres to 24 metres. The existing boundary of the shrine is to be redrawn to make it compatible with the overall development plan. However, the temple’s sanctum sanctorum will remain in its existing form, with no modification or alteration in the sacred area planned, officials said.The corridor development plan also envisages the development of ghats, which is likely to cost Rs 65 crore. Redevelopment of Tulsi Park at a cost of Rs 12 crore, a suspension bridge linking Sita Kund, construction of a Lord Vishnu cultural centre, and beautification of five ponds are also planned. The suspension bridge, Lord Vishnu cultural centre and beautification of ponds are estimated to cost Rs 71 crore, Rs 81 crore and Rs 108 crore, respectively.A 108 ft tall statue of Lord Vishnu is also proposed to be installed in the middle of the Falgu river.
