The floating ambulance has been lying unutilised near the Badakul Ghat of Chilika Lake. During
the recent boat mishap which claimed six lives, the ambulance couldn’t be used.
The government and the district administration should look into the issueA social activist
Khurda: A floating ambulance, provided by the state government at the Chilika Lake here, is lying unused as the state has not been able to recruit a driver.
The air-conditioned ambulance was stationed in Chilika to provide primary healthcare to tourists in case of any emergency. Thousands of tourists from across the globe visit the salt water lagoon to see dolphins and birds. Moreover, the Kalijai shrine at the lake attracts a large number of devotees from across the state.
The government has been spending huge amounts to improve tourism infrastructure at Chilika. But, it has failed to regularly review utilisation of the infrastructure.
“The floating ambulance has been lying unutilised near the Badakul Ghat of Chilika Lake. During the recent boat mishap which claimed six lives, the ambulance couldn’t be used. The government and the district administration should look into the issue,” said a social activist.
Meanwhile, many tourists have expressed displeasure over the lack of a primary health centre near the Kalijai shrine.
“Hundreds worship at the shrine. But the government has not provided any facility to provide primary healthcare. They should provide a few floating ambulances,” said Ritu Sahu, a devotee from Bolangir.