Bhubaneswar, Jan 9 (IANS): The Bindusagar lake rejuvenation project was launched in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the project at Ekamra Khetra here.

Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) along with the Odisha government will implement the state-of-the-art technology to clean up and revive the city's oldest and the largest water body.

"Bindusagar is associated with socio-cultural life of Bhubaneswar's people. It is considered as one of the holiest lakes of our country as it is linked to every holy water body of our country. It is an embodiment of national integration and it is our responsibility to keep it clean and green," said the Chief Minister.

"It is also our responsibility to keep all other holy ponds and ghats around this Ekamra Khetra clean and green. I seek all your cooperation to keep this lake clean. In coming days, other water bodies in and around the city will also be cleaned and we all should come forward and put a joint effort to keep them clean,a he added.

The Petroleum Minister said this initiative is one more step towards restoring the old glory of one of the most noteworthy sights in Bhubaneswar and also developing it as a tourism hotspot.

"The holy Bindusagar lake is believed to have originated in the 7th century AD. Surrounded by historic temples and architectural treasures, this lake near the Lingaraj Temple has immense mythological, religious as well cultural significance for the people of Odisha," said Pradhan.

He said ICT-IOC will also take up cleaning, restoration and conservation of other tanks and bodies adjacent to the Lingaraj Temple.

This will be crucial in boosting the tourism potential of Odisha, creating large-scale employment and further propelling Odisha's growth, he added.