Jhumpura: Kaijoda is a scenic place on the outskirts of Basantapur panchayat under Jhumpura block in Keonjhar. Though the place has huge tourism potential, the government has not yet tapped it.
Kaijoda village is 60 km from Bansapal block. Lack of proper connectivity is a major hurdle for the development of the place. There are three waterfalls amid forests of sal, blackberry, mango and asan trees. Several streams snaking their way through Malangtoli hill ranges add charm to the place rich in flora and fauna. Dense forest is everywhere. Near the main waterfall, bael trees are found in abundance. Local people link that place to divinity.
Malangtoli hill range is spread across Jhumpura, Joda and Bansapal block. The breathtaking view of the wildlife-rich area is most sought-after place for tourists. Visitors could find elephants, deer, bears, a variety of reptiles and other wildlife species amidst hills and forests.
Locals say the three waterfalls are visible from Kaijoda village side. Each waterfall lies at equal distance from each other.
The three streams cascading down from a height of 80 to 100ft meander their way into river Baitarani.
In the rainy season, the place remains inaccessible to visitors as overgrown bush and wild creepers cover the foot tracks. In other seasons, people have to negotiate hilly, craggy paths to reach the waterfalls.
MLA Abhiram Nayak, zilla parishad members Somnath Munda and Anubrata Behera as well as local people have long been demanding status of tourist place to the scenic spot by developing basic infrastructure like road and other facilities at the place.
Tourist officer of Keonjhar, Ramesh Chandra Nayak, said that the proposal for tourist tag is under government consideration. PNN