Keonjhar: Ahead of Raja festival, the department of tourism, Government of Odisha, has planned a major renovation of Sitabinj, one of the famous tourism spots in Keonjhar district having historical and mythological significance, at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh.
The authorities expect to complete various development works in the area well before the festival as the site traditionally attracts lakhs of people.
Sitabinj has been neglected for years. The place is believed to be the birthplace of Laba and Kusha, the twin sons of Lord Rama and Devi Sita. The major attraction is a semi-spherical outcrop, which is believed to be the storehouse for booties of the brigand Ratnakar (who later metamorphosed as Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana).
The place is believed to belong to prehistoric age, because stone paintings (petroglyphs), called Ravana Chhaya have been preserved on a stone wall. The place has been more attractive due to several other outcrops amid a sylvan setting.
The beautification drive for the place is under way. The renovation project includes a public convenience centre, a shopping complex, 10 platforms for picnickers and steel barricade of steps leading to Sita Entudihala.
Besides, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been raising a boundary wall around the place at a cost of Rs 5 crore.
The state tourism department has formed a committee for maintenance of the place, said district tourism officer Ramesh Chandra Nayak.
Tourists visit the scenic place near the river Sita throughout the year. However, during the three-day Raja festival, people in hordes throng the site.
One can reach Sitabinj from Katarabed Chhak on the way to Ghatagon. The site is only 8 km from Sitabinj railway station and it is expected to gain more importance in the coming days, if developed properly, due to the site’s proximity to the famous Tarini temple of Ghatagaon, the Gundidhcha Ghagi waterfall and Daragadishila near river Baitarani.
