Puri: Cyclonic storm Fani has rendered a blow to the tourism sector of Puri, a major tourist destination in state.
The Holy City has been wearing a deserted look ever since the cyclonic storm made a landfall on its coast May 3.
Devotees and tourists from across the globe usually throng Puri to visit Srimandir— the abode of Lord Jagannath— and spend some quality time on the beach.
Moreover, many visitors use the city as a transit point to visit tourist destinations like Konark Sun Temple, Chilika lake, heritage village Raghurajpur and Goddess Mangala temple at Kakatpur. Many hotels and lodging houses have come up in the city to cater to devotees and tourists.
However, the tourist inflow to Puri has dried up in the wake of massive destruction to basic infrastructure due to the cyclone.
“We do not find any tourist roaming on the Grand Road and beach. The Pilgrim City plunges into darkness immediately after sunset,” said a local.
The cyclonic storm has caused severe destructions at all tourist attractions in Puri district. The idol of Jay, a lion figure and some other minor structures at Srimandir have been damaged by cyclone Fani. Sources in the 12th century shrine, meanwhile, claimed that the gusty winds have caused some damages to Neelachakra, the metal wheel atop Srimandir. However, there is no confirmation in this regard from the temple authorities.
The cyclone has left a trail of devastation at heritage village Raghurajpur. It has damaged many houses and trees at the village, well-known for Pattachitra and palm leaf art.
“Many of our artistic works have been damaged by the cyclone. We are facing tough task to repair our houses and other household goods,” said an artist of Raghurajpur.
Similarly, cyclone Fani has ravaged Satpada and other villages located close to Chilika lake. Hundreds of boats have been damaged at Satpada.
“Tourist inflow to Konark Sun Temple and Mangala shrine at Kakatpur has gone down considerably since May 3,” said a source in the district Tourism department.
It is worth mentioning here that the cyclonic storm has damaged infrastructure at many hotels and lodging houses in the Holy City. The hoteliers are facing a difficult task to provide basic services like drinking water to their customers.
The district administration has so far managed to supply drinking water to many localities of the city. However, it is yet to restore power supply in Puri.
Tourism department assistant director Bijay Kumar Jena said the cyclonic storm has inflicted severe damage on tourism infrastructure in Puri district. “Hoteliers are facing difficulties to serve food and provide basic facilities to visitors. The situation would change a lot once there is restoration of power and water supply in the city,” he added.
