Keonjhar: Badaghagara, one of the unique and beautiful natural waterfalls in Keonjhar district, is undergoing a transformation. This waterfall is situated in the middle of the forest, only 5 km away from the famous Sanaghagara waterfall and 11 km from the district headquarters. The beautiful scenic place is situated on the upper part of the Sanamachhakandana river while Sanaghagara is situated on the lower part of that river. Badaghagara is going through a makeover after the completion of the Sanaghagara waterfall redevelopment project. The estimated budget for the development of the tourism site has been pegged at Rs 4.5 crore. It is situated near the pleasant Sanamachhakandana reservoir. Tourists often come here for a visit and picnic. After being neglected for long years, it is now being renovated.
Here the water of Sanamachhakandana falls about 60 feet to form a waterfall and also flows down through a rocky gorge. In fact, its beauty creates a rich atmosphere, attracting nature lovers. Extensive arrangements have been made here for the convenience of tourists. Watchtower, concrete steps, food plaza, parking facility, toilet complex, several viewpoints, multiple beautiful small bridges to cross the creeks, jetty facility to view the waterfall from inside the reservoir, concrete benches, resting places, pathways, and other infrastructure works are also in progress.
Moreover, there is a plan for the construction of a big watchtower. From that tower, tourists can see deep forests, the reservoir, the river, and the scenic beauty of the place, said Assistant Director for Tourism, Ramesh Chandra Nayak.
Many years ago hydroelectricity production started but later it was discontinued. Now, the renovation of the project rekindles the hope of revival of the hydroelectricity project, which can supply power to the nearest villages, said the locals. Sanaghagara witnesses a huge footfall of tourists during winter.
However, the renovation of Badaghagara may pull the crowd from Sanaghagara, said sources. The importance of the place which is situated in deep forests will also go up, said nature lover Bimbadhara Behera.
