Bhubaneswar, July 25: Chhatra Sagar, a water body located near Balibandha Shiv temple, one of the oldest Shiv temples in the western region of the state, will shortly get a facelift.

Commissioner of the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation Bimalendu Rai said various beautification works would be carried out to make the water body attractive.

"The embankment of the water body will be strengthened and concrete benches will be constructed on the embankment. A small park will also be developed. Decorative lights will be installed and plantation carried out in the surroundings of the water body," he said.

Work on the Rs 20-lakh project will begin on Monday and a target has been set to complete the work within two months.

"The water body is a part of the moat developed during the reign of the first king of Sambalpur, Balaram Dev. The 7th king of Sambalpur, Chhatra Sai, had renovated and expanded the moat. The water body was named for him," said writer Deepak Panda.

The fishery department constructed the embankment and converted this part of the moat into a water body near Balibandha temple after Independence, said Panda.

Balibandha Shiv temple, the oldest Shaivite shrine in Sambalpur city, was constructed in the 17th century. The Sital Sasthi festival, which marks the wedding of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati, had begun at this temple.

"Devotees and tourists from across the state visit the temple every day. The beautification work will help attract tourists to this place," said Harish Pradhan, a local resident.