Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday visited the project site of Krishi Bhavan to take stock of the progress of the work that is set to open for the public by June.
Sources said that the chief minister interacted with the project executor on Tuesday and inspected various portions of the building that is being constructed with state-of-the-art technology.
Once opened, it will offer facilities - such as learning centre, public library, auditorium, garden, public plaza and display corridors. A display of various agricultural produces of the state will also be put up in one portion of the building.
The primary objective is to let people know about the agricultural potential of the state. "Initially, the building was planned to house the department of agriculture and its allied agencies. But, the plan was later amended and it was decided that place would be made like a public place," said an official of agriculture department.
A unique feature of the structure is that it has been built using local building materials. "The building is being constructed with various colours of bricks. The facade is a brick louvered structure that acts as a solar shading device," said the official.
The project executor informed The Telegraph that laterite stone has been used as bricks, which provides a different look to the building.
"We didn't use high-end technology in the project. We rather depended on traditional techniques. The chief minister lauded our efforts," said an architect involved in the project.
Naveen had laid the foundation stone of the project in 2013.
"The structure looks amazing. I pass through this building at least thrice a day for my work and this building always attracts my attention," said Satya Jena, a resident of Shastri Nagar.
Held with pistol
Police on Tuesday arrested a 30-year-old man and seized a country-made pistol from his possession from Nandankanan in Bhubaneswar. The cops also recovered two live rounds from Jichandra Parida. The police said they are further verifying the antecedents of the accused.
