TV
Once a vibrant tourist rest house buzzing with visitors, the Gokarneswar Panthika (rest house) near the famed Gokarneswar Peetha in Dharmasala block in Jajpur district now lies in shambles.
Abandoned for nearly 15 years, the once-bustling facility, built with crores of rupees in public funds, has turned into a ‘haunted house’ and a haven for anti-social elements, prompting public outcry for urgent renovation.
From Popular Hub to Abandoned Ruins
Constructed in 2001 by the Odisha Tourism Department, the Panthika was envisioned as a key infrastructure boost to promote tourism in the region. Until 2010, it functioned smoothly, with tourists from across districts using it as a base to explore nearby spiritual and cultural sites.
However, in a sudden turn of events, the facility was shut down in 2010 without any public explanation. Since then, it has steadily decayed. The building is now covered in wild overgrowth, with broken windows, crumbling walls, and shattered doors resembling scenes from a horror movie.
“The entire place feels cursed now,” said Akhil Kumar Swain, a local resident. “Nobody maintains it, and the structure has become a shelter for drunkards and miscreants.”
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Neglect and Misuse
Locals allege that despite the property’s significance, the Tourism Department has only done cosmetic touch-ups, such as painting the front block last year, without addressing structural damage or sanitation concerns.
“All we have here is a security guard in name only,” said Sanjay Kumar Mishra, another local. “The building cries silently every day. It's heartbreaking.”
Empty liquor bottles are scattered across the premises, and the area has reportedly become unsafe, especially for women and children. Despite multiple complaints, there has been little sustained action to revive the facility.
Public Demands vs Political Promises
The residents of Gokarneswar have long demanded the restoration and reopening of the Panthika, arguing that it could still serve as a vital hub for local tourism and economic activity.
Even security guard Alok Pradhan, posted at the site, admitted the place needs urgent repairs. “It can still be salvaged, but work must begin soon,” he said.
Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Shekhar Sahu has assured the public that steps are being taken to restore the building. “We are working toward making it functional again. The issue has been raised with the appropriate departments,” he told OTV.
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What’s at Stake
Located close to the Gokarneswar Peetha, a revered religious site in Jajpur, the Panthika once had the potential to become a major rest stop for pilgrims and ecotourists alike. With Odisha’s tourism sector rapidly evolving, locals fear that without immediate action, this once-prized asset will be lost forever.
“The government must either restore the facility or explain why public money was wasted in the first place,” said another resident.
