TV
In a state that has some of the most beautiful and revered tourist sites and temples and witnesses massive tourist footfall every year, a ‘panthasala’ or a lodge that was built for tourists in Odisha’s Kendrapara district paints a sorry picture.
Situated just 200 meters from Baladevjew Temple, a prominent spiritual worship site in the district, the guest house is slowly starting to resemble an abandoned or even worse, a haunted house due to alleged government apathy. It is now in urgent need of restoration.
Constructed to accommodate pilgrims visiting the popular religious site, the facility is in a dilapidated condition now due to neglect over a period. The lodge stands alongside the Kendrapara-Angulai route near the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) office and is now overrun by wild growth.
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As such, what was once meant to be a symbol of hospitality has turned into a point of concern for locals. Residents have voiced their disappointment at the alleged neglect of the site built soon after the district was established in 1993.
“After its inauguration, the state government did not take care of the property. After years of neglect, some miscreants even stole away its doors and windows. Additionally, no road was ever constructed for it leading to its abandonment,” lamented a local, Chitaranjan Das.
Despite being equipped with water and electricity connections, the lodge generated no revenue due to administrative neglect. Locals described its current condition as a ‘haunted house’, showcasing its sad state.
Even tourists feel sorry for the site’s present condition. “After spending time at satsangs and prayers in the temple, we need a facility with restrooms and resting rooms. If the guest house were functional, we would have been saved from a lot of hassle,” said Swarnalata Bhuiyan, a tourist.
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Meanwhile, Additional District Magistrate Nilu Mahapatra informed that discussions with the tourism department are in progress to restore the lodge to operational status. “I have asked officials of the tourism department to check the details and we will look into the site’s repair soon,” he assured.
