Bhubaneswar, Feb. 9: The state government has decided to initiate beautification work at Bindusagar lake to boost tourism even though the historical tank remains polluted and is in dire need of repairs.

The state tourism department has earmarked Rs 7.62 crore to install a musical fountain and start a multimedia laser show at the lake.

The department would provide 50 per cent in 2015-16 and the remaining would be spent later.

The state government had decided to beautify the Bindusagar lake in February last year after a meeting was held under the chairmanship of culture and tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda.

The Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco), the nodal agency for providing industrial infrastructure in the state, was asked to provide a detailed project report.

"The decision has been taken after receiving a budget estimate from the corporation," said Panda.

The department plans to make it a destination, similar to the one at Dhauli, where people can visit at night. Plans are on for landscaping of the adjoining areas of the lake.

"The Bindusagar has been a part of our heritage since ages. We are trying to develop it on the lines of other popular tourist sites of the state," said the minister.

A two-year timeframe has been set for the project.

The various ghats at the lake such as Uttareswara Ghat, Vishram Ghat, Mohini Ghat and the Ekamra Van will be painted in a monochrome colour. The nearby houses and buildings will also bear the same shade.

Tour operators, however, feel merely adding light and sound features will not be enough to attract tourists.

"It is extremely necessary that the lake water is cleaned and its quality kept intact. Use of the lake water for commercial purposes should be limited to retain its biodiversity," said Partha Sarathi Samal, a travel agent based in Bhubaneswar.

The municipal corporation has recently planned to invest Rs 25 lakh to hire an expert agency that will provide a dynamic plan for restoration of the tank.

Despite Rs 20 crore already been spent in the past five years, the holy lake remains polluted.