Koraput Coffee Trails Park: Once a paradise, now a deserted spot

Once envisioned as a vibrant hub to promote the rich flavour of Koraput Coffee, the district’s first Coffee Trails Park now lies in neglect. Built with the goal of offering visitors a peaceful environment to enjoy freshly brewed local coffee, the park has instead become a shelter for stray cattle, dogs, and anti-social elements.

Situated right in front of the Koraput District Collector’s Office, the Coffee Trails Park was inaugurated just nine months ago amid much enthusiasm. On that day, local MLA and officials sipped steaming cups of Koraput coffee, celebrating the start of what was expected to be a model tourism and recreation project.

However, due to a lack of coordination between departments and poor maintenance, the park’s coffee stall remains non-functional. The once-bustling evening spot, where residents gathered to enjoy coffee and play badminton under the trees, now wears a deserted look.

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Built with an estimated cost of Rs 27.60 lakh under the MUKTA and DMF funds, the park was designed with modern amenities, seating areas, a coffee garden, a badminton court, drinking water facilities, and informative panels about the health benefits of Koraput Coffee.

Maintenance responsibilities were handed to the Koraput Municipality, while operations were to be managed by TDCC (Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation). Unfortunately, coordination between the two bodies has fallen apart.

Now, instead of the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, empty liquor bottles litter the premises, turning what was meant to be a public recreational park into a symbol of official neglect.

Residents have voiced disappointment that such a thoughtful initiative has gone to waste so soon after its launch.

When contacted, Gyanaranjan Tripathy, Executive Officer, Koraput Municipality said, “I will raise this matter at the DMF meeting and draw the attention of the District Collector so that the necessary funds is sanctioned. The pending work will resume after the funds are sanctioned. As far as I know, the work is almost complete except for a room for the installation of a coffee machine. It will also be completed soon.”