Devoid of development, Odisha’s best tourist destinations dying a slow death

Odisha is home to several historical and natural tourist spots of extraordinary beauty. These tourist destinations often draw a large number of visitors, providing healthy tourism revenue. However, with the focus only on a few well-known sites, many tourist destinations in Odisha have been left neglected and are dying a slow death.

There is an immediate need to develop these underdeveloped tourist spots at the earliest. A glaring example is the condition of the famous Deomali, Odisha’s highest peak, standing at an elevation of 1672m in the Eastern Ghats.

Deprived of basic infrastructure, the major tourist attraction of Koraput is slowly losing its sheen. Deomali is the pride of Odisha and has enormous tourism potential, but it lies neglected. The lack of a proper road, toilet facilities, mobile network, security, and drinking water facilities has left tourists disappointed.

“I’m excited as this is my first trip to Deomali. But, first things first, the road condition is pathetic here. Government should take immediate steps to revamp this natural site,” a tourist said.

When contacted, Pottangi MLA Ramchandra Kadam said, "I’m aware of the road condition. I have had a talk with the District Collector in this regard. The tender process has finished and the repair work will begin soon."

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He also assured that the repair work would be complete before the beginning of the tourism season.

On the other hand, the condition of Balasore’s Chandipur sea beach is no different. The beach hardly has proper road connectivity and light facilities. Bestowed with natural beauty, the sea beach has been left neglected with no facilities for tourists.

“I think OTDC is responsible for the electrification of the sea beach. However, they seem least bothered. The major problem is there are no drinking water facilities. Street vendors have also taken away the beach,” alleged a local.

Commenting on the issue, Balasore Sub-Collector Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke stated that a grand plan is underway to beautify the beach in the coming days.