Talcher: The proposed Kanheijena Ecotourism project near the Samal barrage in Angul district is yet to take off due to the apathy of the administrative officials. If developed the hub can not only be good source of income to the district administration and State government, but also ensure the livelihood of a large number of people.
Residents of Talcher and Pallahara had been demanding for an ecotourism centre for a long time. Keeping in mind their aspirations the Kanhia tehsil earmarked two acres of land for this project in 2015.
Subsequently the tehsil had submitted the plan and land schedule to the District Sub-Collector in 2015. A budget of Rs 8,72,27,000 was fixed for the development of the site. But since then nothing much has happened.
Several rounds of meetings and site visits have happened in the last few years. However, locals have termed it as ‘eyewash’.
There were proposals develop a boating facility, children’s park, guest house, building of an approach road and boundary wall and drinking water facility at the ecotourism site. But everything has remained on pen and paper.
If developed, the site can really become a delight for the tourists. The natural rich abundance of the Kanhei Jena forest laden with colourful flowers, the presence of a variety of birds, the still and clear water of the Samal reservoir… all contribute in making it the perfect spot to visit.
For bird lovers, the locale certainly has a lot to offer. Some 20,000 to 30,000 winged guests among which are the Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Purple Herron, Great Egrate, Little Herron, Little Egrate, Pintail Duck, Common Teal, Mallard, Godwall, Garganey, Red Crested Pochard, White Breast Waterman and Coot can be around the forest and its vicinity during the winter months.
Other attractions of the area are the dam on the Rengali river, the NTPC site, Lord Vishnu in ‘Ananta Sayana’ posture and Chakrashila Siba temple.
Environmentalist and advocate Bauribandhu Bej has requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through a letter written August 26 to look into the matter so the ecotourism hub can be developed as soon as possible.
When contacted, Sub-Collector Paresh Chandra Nayak said steps are being taken at the administrative level to expedite the matter. The local tehsildar has been asked to file a fresh report on the project after which work will begin, Nayak said.
PNN