PRABHATA KUMAR PANIGRAHI, OP
Khordha: Several tourist and heritage sites in Khordha district are facing neglect, with poor infrastructure and lack of basic amenities discouraging visitors. Despite being accorded tourism status, many of these destinations continue to await development.
Barunei Hill, a mute witness to the historic Paika Rebellion, is among the prominent sites facing neglect. The hill houses the shrines of Goddess Barunei and Karunei, the presiding deities of the erstwhile Khordha kingdom. Garbage and waste are often found littered around the site, while basic facilities for tourists are inadequate. The proposed ropeway connecting the foothills with the upper reaches of the hill has also remained stuck in government fi les.
Khurdagarh, regarded as the cradle of the Paika Rebellion and the last independent fort, is in a dilapidated condition. Several heritage structures within the fort are also deteriorating. The State Archaeology Department took up the site for development in 1978, and lakhs of rupees have been spent on restoration over the years. However, the fort continues to remain largely neglected, affecting tourist footfall.
The Sri Jagannath temple and Kunjaban Math at Gadakhordha, both associated with the religious traditions of Lord Jagannath, also lack adequate development. The Harihareswar peeth at Nairi, another site associated with Lord Jagannath, is similarly awaiting attention.
Local belief holds that Lord Jagannath was secretly worshipped there and that a Rath Yatra was held at the site. Kankanashikhari, an island in Chilika, is another tourism destination lacking basic infrastructure. The wheels of the Nandighosha chariot and the Chaturdha Vigraha are worshipped there.
Though the site has tourism status, there is no adequate arrangement for tourists to reach the island through Chilika. No significant steps have been taken by the government for the development of the site. The Atri hot spring, one of Odisha’s prominent tourist attractions, is also in need of attention. The Kua Kunda, from which hot vapour emerges throughout the year, is in poor condition and lacks adequate facilities for visitors.
The Ekadasha Rudra Sri Hattakeswar shrine, despite its heritage significance, has also not received adequate attention for development. The historic Dhabaleswar shrine at Gurujanga has been accorded tourism status, but its infrastructure remains underdeveloped. At Jagulipatna village along NH-57 between Khordha and Nayagada, Sri Ananta Purushottam is worshipped in his complete form. The approach road to the site is riddled with potholes, while the Chandan Pokhari remains to be restored.
The Sankatamochan temple atop Tantramundia Hill near Jariput also lacks basic facilities such as drinking water and rest areas. Locals have urged the district administration to take concrete steps to improve infrastructure and promote the tourism potential of these sites.
When asked, Khordha Collector Amrit Ruturaj said the administration was giving priority to the development of the district’s heritage and tourism sector and had held discussions with the Tourism department in this regard. MLA Prasanta Kumar Jagadev said an estimated Rs 18 crore had been earmarked for Khurdagarh. Plans were also in place for beautifi cation of Barunei Hill and installation of a statue of Buxi Jagabandhu.
Construction of a memorial was progressing rapidly, he said. An expenditure estimate had also been prepared for development of Panchapaika peeth, while the government was giving priority to the development of mutts, temples and other heritage sites, Jagadev said.