Puri: Even though Jahania beach at Astarang here was recognised as a tourist spot in early 90s, the place surrounded by natural bounty has been reeling under the apathy of the administration leading to neglect of infrastructure development.
A serene beach, the sylvan settings of casuarina forests and a 16th Century shrine symbolising the legacy of Muqaddam Jahania attract tourists from in and outside the state. The place – Pir Jahania – was named after the Muslim preacher who raised a hut on Astarang beach and stayed there. Legends have it that he used to offer prayers to the Sun god in the morning.
“Muqaddam was a symbol of communal harmony. It is believed that the sea receded a few yards to allow Muqaddam to offer prayers to the Sun god. One day, he disappeared in the sea after a disciple witnessed an unusual movement in the sea,” claimed Tuku Ali Shah, a priest at the shrine.
Villagers had built a shrine in memory of Muqaddam and named it after the 16th century saint. “Devotees, irrespective of their religions, visit the spot and offer puffed rice and red flag to the Pir while seeking blessings,” said Shah.
Hundreds of visitors from far-flung places throng Jahania beach to witness the alluring sunrise. Moreover, people flock to the casuarinas forests to organise picnics. Jahania was declared as a tourist site in 1991-92 fiscal, sources said.
Tourism department sources said 57,625 tourists had visited Jahania in 2013 while the number came down to 32, 270 in 2014. Similarly, 58,530 people visited the spot in 2015.
“Drinking water is one of the biggest problems the tourists face here as four out of the five tube wells produce saline water. The forest department has constructed a few platforms and a urinal for the picnickers,” said a villager.
Villagers claimed that the district administration is yet to deploy lifeguards at Jahania beach. “Incidents of drowning have been reported from Astarang coast. The administration should give priority to visitors’ safety,” said a social activist.
Local sarpanch Bidulata Biswal blamed the Tourism department for an underdeveloped Jahania beach. “We will raise the issue with the state government,” she said.
Astarang block chairman Swadhin Nayak pitched for collaborative efforts of Forest and Tourism department officials, and the local administration for speedy renovation of Jahania. “We have sanctioned `15 lakh for construction of a market complex on Astarang coast,” he said.
District tourism officer Bijay Jena said steps would be taken soon to improve basic infrastructure at Jahania.
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