Post News Network
Papadahandi, Dec 22: An inspection bungalow (IB) constructed by the British in 1918 and now under the works department here in Nabarangpur district is now a shadow of its once-glorious self, primarily due to shoddy upkeep on the part of the government.
The bungalow, once the destination of choice for VIPs visiting the area, is now a den for antisocial elements and drunkards.
The bungalow is located at a stone’s throw from the local bus stand. The British government built the bungalow as a place of lodging for its officers. The building was then known as ‘Hunting Bungalow’ as most British officers used to embark on hunting trips from here.
However, the building is bereft of all its former glory and wears a derelict, rundown look. Most of the bungalow’s doors and windows have been stolen while the walls have all developed cracks. Several medicinal plants in the bungalow’s garden have also vanished over the years. A well on the premises poses danger to occasional visitors as it does not have a parapet wall. The building is steeped in darkness once the sun goes down as there is no electricity, and the place is said to be teeming with snakes. All that the administration has done is to appoint a night watchman at the bungalow.
Despite being in such a dilapidated state, the bungalow still manages to host occasional meetings and feasts, say locals, adding that an overhaul by the department would result in the bungalow regaining some of its lost charm.
