Nayagarh: The World Tourism Day was celebrated across globe September 27 and Nayagarh district was no different. But the celebration remained confined to a procession only, like the past years.
Tourist spots in this district are in no way inferior to others. Yet, all the spots here lie in utter neglect. The banners put up by district administration at various locations read ‘Tourism and jobs: A better future for all”. But the reality shows a rather gloomy picture.
The tourism department has identified 14 spots as tourist destinations. They include Baramula of Gania, Raghunathjew Temple of Odagaon, Dwitikeshwar Temple of Jamupatna, Neelamadhab Temple of Kantilo, Kuturi Dak Bungalow, Kuanria Dam, Dakhinakali Temple in Nayagarh town, Maninaga Temple in Ranapur, Ladubaba Temple in Saranakul, Udayapur Library in Nuagaon block, Neelakandara in Bhapur block, Gokulananda Peeth in Siddhamula, Panchupali Pragnya and the lone Buddhist site Jogijogiani Peeth.
That apart, there are several places worth being declared as tourist destinations. Some of these places include Mahaveer Temple in Dasapalla, Sunamuhin Temple in Khandapara and Jharadei shrine in Nayagarh.
Senior citizens are of the opinion that the district is a treasure trove of natural beauty. But these spots bestowed with all the natural beauties have not been developed as they ought to have been. “A lack of will of the district administration and that of political leaders is taking a toll on these tourist spots,” they alleged.
It is alleged that the district is receiving lakhs of rupees for the purpose of developing tourist spots. Showing it on pen and paper that money has been spent, the funds have been siphoned off. The fact is that not a single pie is being spent for the development of tourism. Had the money been spent purposefully, there would have been a noticeable improvisation.
Three years ago, a foundation stone was laid to develop Panchupandav hill as a tourist destination. Three years are enough for the administration to develop a place. But nothing has been done so far. The tourist office is running from a small cabin of Pathani Samant Sanskruti Bhawan. The office can always be found under lock and key. Since the joining of the tourist officer, people come to this office once in a blue moon. Whenever asked for the reason of the office being always under lock and key, the officials give the same reply — they were out of station for official works.
A new building has been constructed at PTS Road. Six months have passed since the building was inaugurated. Yet, the office is functioning from the same cabin. People say the aim with which the building was constructed has not been fulfilled as yet.
When asked as to why the office has not been shifted, tourism officer Debadutta Rath said, “Some portions of the internal works are yet to be finished. Once these works are completed, the office will be shifted.”
No international tourist has come to this district during past five years even though the district has many attractions like Badamula Satakosia Resort. Local people attributed this to administrative apathy.
However, one silver lining is the ongoing work on the Balangi Bandh Park. Ropeway, watchtower, boating, children’s park, musical fountain, rock climbing and museum are some of the facilities coming up here.
