Joda: Joda in Keonjhar district is known as the mining hub of Odisha. This is due to the presence of several iron and manganese ore mines in the block. However, this place is undergoing a transformation and is slowly turning into a tourist and pilgrim hotspot.
This change has come about because of the presence of various temples, hilly streams and waterfalls in locality. Multiple streams and rivers flowing through the forests and a cascading waterfall from the hilltop are major attractions for tourists.
There has been a substantial increase in footfalls as far as tourists are concerned. Some of them are foreigners who come here to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Among the various places of importance, the ‘Murga Mahadev Temple’ and the adjoining waterfall in Joda block have got the ‘tourist site’ tag. Along with the devotees, a large number of ‘not so pious’ tourists also visit the spot.
Meanwhile, locals complained that despite having major attractions, the place is not being developed properly. The residents have been demanding for the development of the temple and the surrounding areas. However, nothing has been done till date by the local administration.
The Gurubeda picnic spot on the banks of the Baitarani river is surrounded by dense forests on both sides. It also is a prime tourist spot.
The ‘Jateshwar Mahadev Temple’ near Barbil also has a waterfall nearby. The temple is surrounded by hilly streams among them being the one at Pacheri village.The slow-flowing Baitarani river, Kundul rivulet, the ‘Swapneswar Mahadev Temple’ and the bear cave at Thal Kobad are also prime tourist attractions.
Visitors also enjoy the sunset amid the backdrop of hills in Kiriburu and Meghahataburu localities. Hotels in Barbil and in this town regularly announce lucrative packages to attract tourists.
Several Bengali publications have written elaborately on these places. However, despite being highlighted, proper development is not being carried out, locals alleged.
The scenic spots see a large influx of tourists from West Bengal. Two of them, Bipra Majumdar and Subha Pratim Ghosh said they came to know about the spots in Joda from fairs.
A woman Bengali tourist could not hide her joy and described the sites as the ‘land of red soil, red sky and red flowers’. Tour operator Santosh Kumar Biswal said the Pacheri stream is the most beautiful place in Joda block. He pointed out that approximately 3,000 tourists visit the spot annually. He, however, alleged that accessibility is a problem due to lack of proper roads.
Chittaranjan Kar of Barbil, Somanath Mohanty of this town and Niranjan Bohidar, a member of the ‘Joda Vikash Parishad’ said the sites if developed properly will help in generating livelihood for the local youths and reduce unemployment. They said that funds from the district mineral foundation (DMF) should be spent to develop these spots as it will result in economic and financial development of the areas.
PNN