Siali beach in Jagatsinghpur. Telegraph picture

Paradip, March 22: The ancient places of worship and monumental sites in Jagatsinghpur district are all poised for a makeover.

Armed with central heritage grants, the state government has stepped in to renovate the heritage structures and explore the tourism potential of the spots.

Yesterday, a team of technical experts made an on-the-spot assessment of the projects and held discussion with the district administration for its expeditious implementation.

“The temples and mutts, which are being taken up for renovation, are intertwined with tourism importance of the respective places. Apart from giving the monuments a facelift, emphasis is also being laid on boosting up the tourism infrastructure of the areas,” said Upendra Nath Mallick, additional district Magistrate (ADM), Jagatsinghpur.

A fund of Rs 4.63 crore has been allocated to the district as part of the 12th finance commission grants scheme. The administration has resolved to make judicious use of the grants earmarked for tourism and heritage development projects.

This coastal district, endowed with rich maritime history, is home to hundreds of monuments of historical and archaeological importance. However, ten such monuments having tourism potential have been shortlisted for restoration and renovation under this project.

The shortlisted projects are Sarala Peetha, Gorekhnath, Garei Mutt, Chandapur Jagannath temple, Panchupalli Rameswar temple, Alaka shrine, Dhyanakuda Mutt, Sidhalla Jagannath temple, Khaneswar temple in Nasika, Lokanath temple in Paradipgada and Bhubaneswari temple along the Alaka riverbed, said officials.