Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, August 11: A light and sound show that was inaugurated recently at Dhauli has been a welcome addition for tourists visiting the famous Buddhist stupa. While the inflow of tourists is picking up thanks to the added tourist attraction, the lack of streetlights along the road leading up to the top of the hill is becoming a major safety concern as tourists who watch the last show (that ends at 8:20 pm) have to make their way back in total darkness.
The light and sound show, which was set up by the government at a cost of several crores, has been a success with tourist inflow increasing substantially over the weekend. The show narrates the history and significance surrounding the Dhauli hill – at the foothills of which was waged a bloody battle between the armies of Asoka and the king of Kalinga.
Lack of basic security measures for tourists is however threatening to mar the entire project. In the absence of streetlights along the road connecting the stupa to the Puri-Bhubaneswar national highway, the entire area is plunged into darkness, giving tourists an uneasy time.
“Recently we went to the watch the light and sound show at Dhauli this Sunday. The show was marvellous, but while coming back we were feeling very jittery as the road was dark. I think the authorities should pay attention to this problem as there are many people who walk all the way from the stupa to the highway from where they catch a bus. It becomes dangerous at night as there are always miscreants prowling around,” said Sikha Mishra, a resident of the capital city.
Police officials meanwhile are assuring that special attention is being paid to ensure security cover for visitors returning after watching the last light and sound show of the day.
An official from Dhauli police station said: “We are deploying our personnel to keep a vigil on the road after 4pm every day. Since the show began, we have seen an increase in tourist numbers and we are accordingly trying our best to provide them security.”
Government officials meanwhile are happy with the positive response to the show. “The hard work in coming up with the show has paid off. The response is overwhelming. We witnessed a large number of tourists this weekend. Within two days we sold tickets worth Rs 19,000. We have also roped in four additional security guards especially for the show to keep trouble-mongers at bay,” said an official from Dhauli Development Committee (DDC).
Authorities are mulling to increase the seating capacity for the light and sound show. Sources in the tourism department say 50-100 seats are likely to be added for the show keeping in mind the positive response from visitors.
Moreover, DDC has been planning to install CCTV cameras en route to Dhauli to keep a vigil on the road leading to the site. DDC chairman and Khurda district collector Niranjan Sahoo has also written to the tourism director’s office in this regard. The DDC has also requested the tourism department to consider shifting makeshift shops from the hilltop and relocating them near the parking lot located downhill.
