Kesinga: A central warehouse for stocking kendu leaves was completed two years ago at Kesinga town of Kalahandi, but it has remained unused for the excise department. The facility now resembles a haunted house, a report said.
According to the report, there are 62 kendu leaf stocking points under Kensinga range. Kendu leaves after being made bundles are supposed to be stocked at this central warehouse.
This two-storied building and warehouse was built in 2018. Doors and windows have not been fixed as yet. No step is being taken to hand over the facility to the ranger. It was alleged that irregularities were committed in the warehouse and its building.
On the other hand, kendu leaves have to be stocked in the open at many places. It was learnt that a former ranger after misappropriating lakhs of rupees has been suspended, leading to a problem in handover of the building.
Besides, several other ancillary works like electricity wiring and drinking water have not been completed. As for the unused facility, Kensinga ranger Asutosh Nanda said a former ranger was suspended 11 months ago, but he has not handed over the facility to the incumbent.
PNN