Talcher: The proposed ‘Kanhei Jena Ecotourism Project’ near Samal barrage in Angul district is yet to take off due to the apathy of the administration. If developed, the hub can be a good source of income not only for the district administration and the state government but also ensure livelihood for a large number of people.
Residents of Talcher and Pallahara have been pressing 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 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.
In the last few years, several rounds of meetings and site visits have taken place. However, locals have termed them as “eyewash”.
There were proposals to develop a boating facility, children’s park, guest house, an approach road and boundary wall and drinking water facility at the ecotourism site. But everything has remained on paper only.
If developed, the site can become a delight for the tourists. The Kanhei Jena forest with its natural beauty, colourful flowers, a variety of birds, the still and clear water of 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 Heron, Great Egret, Little Heron, Little Egret, Pintail Duck, Common Teal, Mallard, Godwall, Garganey, Red Crested Pochard, White Breast Waterman and Coot can be spotted in and around the forest during the winter months.
Other attractions include the dam on the Rengali river, the NTPC site, Lord Vishnu in ‘Ananta Sayana’ posture and Chakrashila Siva temple.
Environmentalist and advocate Bauribandhu Bej has requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through a letter written August 26 to look into the matter so that 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