Deogarh: An amusement park constructed at a cost of Rs 28 lakh near Pradhanpat waterfall is hardly amusing the visitors.
With the picnic season round the corner, the park’s pathetic condition near a major attraction of the district may sully its image. Deogarh is known for its art, culture and rich heritage. With such potential it can truly be regarded as one of the best tourist spots in the state. During the tourist season, thousands of visitors/picnickers throng the picturesque Pradhanpat waterfall, lying in the lap of nature.
To give an extra dose of amusement to tourists and picnickers, the municipality had developed a park at a cost of Rs 28 lakh from Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) on the premises of Giri Gabardhan temple and Champakeswara Shiva temple, near the waterfall.
Nearly two years ago, then collector Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar inaugurated the park. Surprisingly, the facilities and fittings provided at the park could not last even for two years. While some swings are not functioning properly, some have broken, posing a threat to children. Despite their bad condition, the children coming from far and near play on the broken swings, obviously risking their lives.
The toy train has long been lying unused as it is out of order. The less we talk about the water fountain the better. It is alleged that lack of maintenance has brought the park to the present deplorable condition. The municipality has engaged some staff to look after the park. But the effort to maintain the park is said to be missing.
While some municipal officials and the contractor are allegedly acting hand in glove, the same contractor has been awarded Rs 10 lakh contract to replace iron lamp posts, damaged by simians, with plastic ones, it is learnt.
The locals alleged that the government’s money seems to get wasted, without giving any benefit to the visitors. They demanded immediate renovation of the park before the tourist season begins.
Kunjabana Pradhan, executive officer of the municipality, said the repair and replacement work was going on. PNN