Rourkela: Though it remains one of the lesser-known places in the state, the sheer poetry that nature has carved in stone will definitely leave a lasting memory in one’s mind. Situated in Balisankara block, ‘Kanakund’ can be dubbed as the Grand Canyon of Odisha.
The Ib river, while flowing at a great speed, has dug holes on the rocky bed all around. The scenic beauty of the remote spot cannot be described by words or captured through lenses. “One has to visit the place and understand what nature has in store for us. For me, it is one of God’s splendid art pieces,” said Lohit Panda, a visitor.
The best time to visit the place is just after the monsoon is over; however one can pick any time until summer. “But, the place has a different kind of aura during the rainy season,” said Anil Minz, a local.
Just 44 km from Sundargarh district headquarters and 126 km from Rourkela, the natural spot is still virgin, with only a few groups of picnickers, adrenaline junkies and nature aficionados going there during winter. Otherwise, this place still languishes to get the attention it deserves from all quarters. Barely one and a half kilometre away a non-descript signage on a concrete plaque is the only indicator of its existence.
The connectivity to the location is good during the dry months. Only in the final stretch, nearly one kilometre of the road that leads to Kanakund is ‘kuchha’. There is barely any human habitation in the vicinity; only long stretches of forest along the Ib river bank and fertile agricultural lands on the other side. In the middle flows Ib on the grey granite bedrock. Stand there to listen to the roar of the river gushing through its stony path.
The place has its share of horror stories as human lives have been lost in the treacherous flow of the river in the deep gorge. Reckless picnickers venture extremely close to the river for either a close glimpse of the canyon or a daring selfie and then lose their balance only to be devoured by the unforgiving water.
An insider in the Tourism department says the place remains neglected due to a lack of coordination between Minor Irrigation and Tourism departments. “Lack of coordination has led to a complete neglect of the spot’s potential in tourism. Besides, the Irrigation department is also a little scared to give any kind of permission because of the deaths occurring there,” said the source.
When this was brought to the notice of the district’s Tourist Officer Niranjan Behera, he said, “The department has no plan for the spot as of now as our focus remains elsewhere.” “So far, the place is not in our scheme of things. If I receive any instruction or letter regarding its development, then I will start working on it,” he added.
Rajesh Mohanty, OP