Bhubaneswar: The Kalijai temple in Chilika Lake which attracts thousands of pilgrims from far and wide everyday will soon get a facelift as Chilika Development Authority (CDA) has prepared a blueprint for refurbishment of the historical shrine.

The decision was taken to develop and promote the temple as a major tourist destination. A whopping Rs 40 crore has been sanctioned under Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) for the purpose.

The preliminary work for renovation has already begun. The temple and its periphery have remained neglected for long even as the visitors have expressed concern over its restoration. The temple and shops around the tourist destination will also be made world class. “We have planned to modernise the market complex near the temple and servitors’ houses,” said Sasmita Lenka, additional chief executive of CDA.