The historical dak bungalow of the British era in Kendrapara is lying in dilapidated condition without proper maintenance.
The old bungalow which is under the Water Resource Department of the district is a silent witness of Odisha’s golden maritime era. However, it is currently wallowing in neglect. Though demand is being made for the restoration of the lost glory of the bungalow, the authorities of the department are lending a deaf ear to it, it was alleged.
In old times, many higher authorities were staying at the bungalow. However, the surviving colonial vestige of the bygone British era is wallowing in neglect despite its past glory. It has lost its sheen sans proper maintenance. The doors and windows of the old bungalow have been broken. It has been allegedly encroachment by a contractor.
Meanwhile, local people have alleged that the indifferent attitude of the concerned department is responsible for the miserable condition of the old bungalow having historical importance.
“The administration has completely failed to preserve the historical bungalow. It has been in use since 1879. However, it has been wallowing in neglect in recent times due to the lackadaisical attitude of the Water Resource Department,” said Gayadhar Dhal, a resident of Kendrapara.
“The historical bungalow should be made free from encroachment. Proper maintenance of the bungalow should be made by the administration as it has historical significance,” said Ravi Pati, another resident of Kendrapara.
Responding to the demands of local people, Executive Engineer of the Water Resource Department Umesh Chandra Sethi said that the higher authorities have been informed about the current situation of the bungalow and the repair work will be done following the grant of finance by the government.
“The condition of the bungalow is very weak as it is a very old building. We have given a proposal to the government for its repair following a survey. After the approval of the proposal, we will acquire the bungalow and undertake repair work,” said Sethi.