Vyasa Sarovar Peetha in Jajpur lies in neglect

Jajpur: With lakhs of visitors thronging the Vyasa Sarovar Peetha in Jajpur district throughout the year, the demand for provision of basic amenities at the place has also grown. Despite being a popular tourist spot, the apathy of the district administration towards the place has created resentment among many visitors.

Lack of drinking water facility, toilet and rest room for visitors especially the women visiting the Vyasa Sarovar Peetha have created displeasure.

Following demands from several quarters, the State government had accorded status of tourist spot to the Vyasa Sarovar Peetha back in 2011. Though initially, development of the Peetha was carried out, the pace of work gradually slowed down after the district administration blacklisted the contractor engaged in the work.

No significant work has been done since then. “This was accorded the tourist spot status, but no significant development has been carried out here. We demand the State government should develop the place as a proper tourist destination on priority basis,” said Akhaya Pati, a local.

Kabita Sahu, a tourist said, “The administration should make arrangements for drinking water facility and waiting room at the place for the benefit of visitors.”

Meanwhile, the administration stated that steps are being taken for development of the Vyasa Sarovar Peetha. “Gradually the place is being renovated. I have informed the higher-ups about the issues and funds have been allocated for the development work,” said Santosh Kumar Mishra, additional Collector, Kalinganagar.

As per mythology, Duryodhana was hiding in Gupta Ganga of the Vyasa Sarovar Peetha during Mahabharat war. Later, Bheema, one of the Pandavas spotted Duryodhana and broke his thigh. The tourist place is therefore popular among devotees and the visitors.