Keonjhar: Kanjipani Ghati in Keonjhar district is a picturesque spot. Its natural beauty is fascinating with magnificent mountain ranges. The trail of Kanjipani Ghati spreading about 20km along NH-49, from Kanjipani to Jagamohanpur, and about 8km along Telkoi road, from Kanjipani to Panasanasa, offers unique experience to the lovers of nature.
Interestingly, the temperature here falls to zero degree Celsius in winter and clouds touch the valley during rainy season, enhancing the beauty to utmost delight of tourists. Nature in this area is a treasure trove of varied flora and fauna along with huge wildlife reserves.
On the other hand, shifting cultivation, forest fires, deforestation and widening of roads in the area have destroyed its natural vegetation and waterfalls. There are more than 10 tribal villages in the Kanjipani Ghati and local inhabitants are dependent upon forest cover for their livelihood. In the absence of alternative source of income, the tribals are causing damage to green vegetation in this area.
However, construction of rest sheds and watchtowers on Kanjipani Ghati could be good value additions, to develop this area as a tourist hub and attract more tourists.
Environmentalist Bimbadhar Behera said, “Coordination in between the district administration and different departments of state government is essential for developing Kanjipani Ghati as a tourist hub.”
Similarly, the Kanjipani-Telkoi road and Kanjipani-Jagamohanpur National Highway could be connected with ropeways so that tourists can enjoy the aesthetic beauty from atop mountains, he added.
It is learnt, the construction of long awaited cottage accommodations for tourists has suffered because of red-tapism, despite the earlier decision taken by the Forest department in this regard.
If Kanjipani Ghati is turned into a tourist hub, it will immensely contribute to the district economy.
HOW TO REACH
By Air: Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport
By Train: Nearest Railway station is Keonjhargarh (35 km)
By Road: It is 30 km away from Keonjhar town
PNN
