Once pride of Jajpur, Mahabharat-linked Vyasa Sarovar now loses its shine amid maintenance woes

Once envisioned as a spiritual and cultural landmark, Vyasa Sarovar in Odisha’s Jajpur district is now witnessing visible neglect, barely ten months after its inauguration by CM Mohan Majhi. The project, which had briefly emerged as a major tourist attraction, is gradually losing its charm due to lack of proper maintenance.

Vyasa Sarovar was designed to offer visitors a unique blend of mythology, spirituality and leisure. The site visually narrates iconic episodes from the Mahabharata from Lord Krishna’s Vishwaroop to Bhishma lying on his bed of arrows, the Sudarshan Chakra, and Abhimanyu’s tragic Chakravyuha. For visitors, the place evoked childhood memories and offered a deeply spiritual experience.

Grand Vision, Fading Reality

Inaugurated ten months ago, the project was developed across 294 acres with an investment of Rs 60 crore from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). Initially, the lake and its surroundings dazzled with artistic sculptures, landscaped gardens and thematic installations. However, the absence of regular upkeep has taken a toll. Several statues are now damaged, gardens are overrun with wild grass, and decorative weapons and structures have lost their colour.

“Sarovar is a large park that attracts many visitors for picnics, but there are no basic amenities such as public toilets, proper cleanliness management or drinking water facilities. I request the Odisha government to look into these issues and ensure a clean and hygienic environment is maintained here,” said Anushka Nayak, a visitor.

“This place has a deep connection with the Mahabharata. A site associated with Prince Arjuna is located here, and people from older generations have known about this place for many years,” another visitor said.

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Visitors Voice Discontent

The lack of lighting has worsened the situation, with the area sinking into partial darkness after sunset. Although the previous government granted tourism status to the site three times, locals say the recognition remains confined to signage, with little on-ground impact.

High-level discussions are underway regarding major, high-value projects, including Vyasa Sarovar and the adjacent nature park. These projects were initiated two to three years ago, but the work has not yet been fully completed. We are currently working on plans to ensure the projects are completed at the earliest and made fully functional for public use.” said Ambar Kumar Kar, Collector, Jajpur.

Call for Immediate Intervention

Tourists and intellectuals have urged the district administration and the government to act swiftly and restore Vyasa Sarovar to its intended glory. Without timely intervention, a project that once symbolised pride and heritage risks fading into obscurity, undermining both tourism potential and public trust.