Daringbadi: Hundreds of tourists and picnickers are thronging various spots here in Kandhamal district, enjoying their time and at the same time turning these spots into dumping yards, forgetting their civic sense.
Duluri Pine jungle, Nature Park, Hill View Park, Kirikuti picnic spot, Ludu waterfall, Badangia waterfall and some other spots are witnessing a huge footfall these days. The number goes up on weekends.
But the flip side of this is that on any given day, thermocol paper plates, empty plastic food packets, food leftovers and liquor bottles can be seen littered at these spots.
“This can be attributed to lack of civic sense among some of the revelers and the administration is to some extent responsible for this,” some local residents alleged.
As the spots are not being cleaned regularly, those who are coming for the first time feel reluctant to be there for long hours. “We heard a lot about Daringbadi. It is called Odisha’s Kashmir. Some refer it as visitors’ paradise. So we have come here for picnic, expecting a lot of enjoyment. Upon reaching here, all our expectations have vanished. There are used plates, bottles, food leftovers strewn on the ground everywhere. There is also a constant stink. Most importantly some women are collecting money for making the spot clean. We also gave them the amount they demanded. Later we were told that they are the members of SHGs that are engaged for cleaning the spots. What are they doing?” complained a tourist, wishing not to be named.
Echoing the same feeling, a local social activist said, “Rs 50 to Rs 100 is being collected for parking fee and entry fee. And some anti-socials are also there collecting these fines. If someone is paying something and all the mess is there to welcome them, why should they come next time? ”
“There are ‘pindis’ for picnickers. There are facilities for picnickers to cook food. But are they sufficient? Is it not the responsibility of the administration to look after all these things?” asked some picnickers.
Locals urged the district administrations to take some steps like putting up more dustbins, at least this picnic season, notice boards mentioning some dos and don’ts and collecting fines from those who are found making the spots dirty.
PNN
