Sonepur: The district’s ‘Sanskriti Bhawan’ inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik nine months back is yet be operational and the structure looks like a haunted house.
The Sanskriti Bhawan was built in the district headquarters town with the objective of showcasing the rich tradition of art and culture of the region. People had hoped that once the building becomes operational it will be used to host cultural events and function as a library. Sadly it has not happened.
Construction of the building started in 2007-08 and the district administration took up the work by spending Rs 1.5 crore from ‘Backward Regions Grant Fund’ (BRGF) and ‘Integrated Action Plan’.
Later on, the construction was completed with the assistance from the State Culture Department.
Some sources, however, alleged no tenders had been floated for construction of the building. The order was placed in the name of an engineer. It took 12 years to complete construction of the building.
The Bhawan was inaugurated July 24, 2018 by Patnaik and since then the building has been under lock and key. Locals alleged that the district administration has made no efforts to utilise the building.
They also said due to lack of security arrangements, there is possibility of miscreants stealing valuables from the building. It is alleged that the building has become a favourite hunt of anti-socials who carry on illegal activities under its cover.
Several residents have urged the administration to take immediate measures to make the facility functional.
