Following is an excerpt from a report in New Indian Express.

The Tourism Department plans to make the place more vibrant and lively.

To begin with, it has already handed over a patch of land � measuring about 22 acres � adjoining the temple to Archaeological Survey of India for landscaping.

Work has already begun on the project. The Indian Cultural Trust Fund under Indian Oil Corporation has already committed Rs 22 crore for peripheral development.

The Department is also planning to shift the approach road and widen it. Plans are afoot to redo several landmarks in the town.

… ASI has also been requested to reopen its museum during the Konark Dance Festival starting Saturday and keep it open during the night.

Similarly, the Chandrabhaga beach is being made more attractive with the establishment of an eco camp.

It would house 20 luxury camps. The State Government would fund Rs 5 crore for the venture and development of the beach.

The four-day festival, would see a number of eminent artistes from Orissa and outside perform. They include Madhavi Mudgal and her troupe from New Delhi.

… over the years there has been a steady rise in the number of tourists visiting Konark to exclusively witness the festival.

In 2006, as many as 8,090 domestic and 473 foreign tourists attended it. In 2005, about 7,860 domestic and 452 foreign tourists had witnessed the festival.