Sambalpur: Efforts to develop Debjharan Waterfall, a picturesque site, located around 30km from Sambalpur city, into an eco-tourism hub is stuck under red tape, reports said. The approval for this project was given months ago by the state government. However, the callous and negligent attitude of the officials has left the place in a dilapidated state.
As per reports, the State Government has already approved Rs 94 lakh June 2018 for the beautification of the waterfall under Jujumura block in the district. The Forest department had submitted a proposal in this regard.
Collector Samarth Verma had earlier said the beautification work will start soon. He had then informed that the Forest department will execute the project and it has been notified. Boating facilities for visitors will also be available at the spot, Verma had said.
“If all goes well, development work should start very soon; it will be carried out by the Forest department. Visitors will be pleased to know boating facilities will also be available at the waterfall. There are plans to develop a nature’s trail, a scenic path that would lead to the waterfall, along with a floating jetty (dock), toilets and a watch-tower. Visitors will also be able to purchase forest produce that would be sold here,” the DM had said after the approval of the budget.
However, nothing of note has happened till now. The summer season is usually the peak time for tourists to visit the spot and yet the administration, in spite of having an approved budget, has turned a blind eye towards beautification of the area. Locals in the area have expressed resentment and demanded that work should begin as soon as possible.
Apart from the development work, the administration will also construct two check gates at Talijharan village and another at the parking spot along with signage, pindi to sell forest produce and toilets. Plans are also afoot to buy two boats worth Rs 5,00,000 each, but that has not yet happened.
A Minor Irrigation Project (MIP) is currently underway at the Debjharan reservoir. The Forest department has planned to provide capacity building training to members of Vana Samrakshana Samiti (VSS) so that they can manage the spot after completion of the development work.
Debjharan currently witnesses a footfall of more than 30,000 tourists annually.
PNN
