Keonjhar: Though delayed, the administration and the tourism department have started developing tourist spots in mineral rich Keonjhar, even as tourism season picks up this year. Gruadually, development work has been gathering pace at these places.
For many years, tourism spots had been lying neglected while tourists would face a lot of problems for lack of basic facilities.
However, things have started changing at these places.
The government has attached tourism tags to 16 places. Since 2016-16, the tourism department has started working on their infrastructure development, but some works have delayed due to minor hiccups.
Construction of roads to these spots, building benches, amenity centres and picnic platforms are in progress at different places, a report said.
Besides, Rest sheds for visitors, recreational facilities for children and drinking water projects are being built.
Several other projects have been undertaken. Several projects worth Rs 30 lakh were undertaken for Bhimkund in 2014-15; Rs 50 lakh projects in Gundichaghagi, Rs 80 lakh in Sitabinj; Rs 30 lakh in Chakratirtha; Rs 30 lakh in Kesharikunda; Rs 50 lakah in Sanghagara and Rs 10 lakh each in Murga Mahadev, Gonasika and Handibhanga.
Hovers, many works have not yet been completed as yet. Locals expressed displeasure over the tardy pace of work.
Besides, the ASI has undertaken preservation work of petroglyph and inscriptions at Sitabinj at a cost of Rs 4.91 crore.
Besides, many mining companies have been tasked to develop and beautify some tourism centres, but works have lagged behind for lack of proper monitoring.
Rs 99.83 lakh was sanctioned for special office building for the tourism office at Keonjhar, but land has not been identified for the project.
Tourism officer Ramesh Chandra Nayak said that persistent efforts are on to develop the tourist spots in the district.
PNN