Keonjhar: Sitabinj is a major tourist spot in the district because of its rich archaeological history. However, the site is not attracting tourists as it is devoid of proper infrastructure. In all, Rs 4.92 crore allocated for its development has remained unspent. The development reportedly has hit a roadblock owing to land acquisition problem.
Locals expressed displeasure over years of neglect of this place, considered important for its archaeological and mythological aspects and the government has failed to tap its full tourism potential.
This picture-postcard site is located on the banks of river Sita. The antiquity of the place is evident from tempera painting on the surface of crags and stone paintings dating back to 5th or 6th century AD.
These valuable carvings and paintings have been steadily vanishing due to natural decay while the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has failed to utilise the funds provided by the Centre for their protection.
Locals apprehend that other ancient objects in the site may be stolen by antiquity racket if proper attention is not paid for their safety. It was learnt that the Central government allocated funds for developing road connectivity, electrification, construction of buildings, provision of drinking water, setting up a park and measures for protection of ancient wall paintings and stone carvings.
Though the work was taken up after a tender, it faces land acquisition hurdle. The development is supposed to take place in 14 acres of land, but the problem is that the area is dotted with human settlements.
Sitabinj is located near Danguapasi village under Ghatagaon block, 40 km from the district headquarters hospital. The paintings are locally known as Rabana Chhaya. However, there is no explanation as to why people call it Rabana Chhaya.
The tempera paintings were made on a massive semi-spherical outcrop of 22-ft height. Over the years, these paintings have faded due to exposure to sun and rain, dew and temperature.
The paintings depict a royal procession in which a king rides an elephant. The paintings could be dated back to the regime of King Disha Bhanj. Several rock carvings are also there. As these scripts have not yet been deciphered, there is a need for deep research on them, locals added.
Fragments of stone edicts are also found scattered in the area that could be stolen anytime, they observed. Besides, there are spots called Valmiki Ashram and Laba-Kusha Entudishala (birthplace of Laba-Kusha). It is believed that Devi Sita had stayed at the place during her exile. Bandit Ratnakar has metamorphosed into Saint Valmiki by dint of his penance.
Nearby is Sitabinj railway station which has no approach road. The district tourism officer said the project work failed to move forward due to land hurdle while the ASI has been tasked to take care of the place.
A tender has been floated while the local tehsil authorities were informed of handing over land. Superintending archeologist HK Nayak said talks with the administration are over and the land problem was sorted out. The contractual firm started work on the boundary wall and other works will be started later, he added. PNN