Kendrapara: The state government has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for conservation of the 300-year-old Lord Baldevjew temple in the district.

The tourism and culture department has accorded administrative approval and sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the development of the temple, said an official.

The temple was built in 1707 during the Maratha subedar rule. The Maratha style of temple building was mostly simple without intricate stone craving.

The main temple and other small temples are all in good shape. The state archaeology department had carried out a Rs 50 lakh project six years ago to renovate the crumbling portions of the temple, said an official. The temple development funds sanctioned by the government agencies will mainly be utilised for construction of the Anand Bazar where devotees will be able to buy and eat the "bhog".

The temple does not have a bhog market at present.

From the allocated funds, a new boundary wall will be built and the old boundary wall, which is in bad shape, reconstructed.

The temple does not have a proper sewage and drainage facility. New drainage network will be construction for the hassle-free discharge of wastewater from the temple. Besides, funds will also be spent for external illumination of the structure.

The construction work of the heritage temple would be being taken up in accordance with recommendations and suggestions of the committee comprising archaeological experts, the official said.