Daringbadi: Odisha’s Kashmir, Daringbadi in Kandhamal district is considered one of the go to destinations for the visiting tourists. Daringbadi might not attract as many tourists as Kashmir, yet an encouraging number of visitors throng here, feasting their eyes upon nature’s abundant bestows.
In order to get more tourists at this destination this season, the government prepared a plan last year. Accordingly it was decided January 1 that Daringbadi would be considered a hill station and a number of steps for developing infrastructure featured in the drafted plan. 11 months have passed since the declaration, and the draft is still on the process of passing.
The number of tourists to this destination could have increased manifold by now had the plans chalked out by the government been implemented, lamented the local people.
During winter, Darnigbadi becomes abuzz with visitors and tourists from all parts of the state and even from some parts of other neighbouring states. Meanwhile, the flow of tourists has already started. As it is seen every season, the number is going to increase further after a dip in temperature and declaration of winter holidays.
The coffee garden here is the prime attraction. Hundreds of tourists spend their quality in this verdant green stretch all year long. Other attractions worth visiting here are Duluri pine jungle, Hill View Park, Nature Park, Miduyubanda waterfall, Lovers Point and Peace Valley to name the toppers.
Hills, jungles, Pangali ghat and streams are so fascinating that tourists visiting here have enough reasons to feel the Paradise on Earth.
With so many sites owing to tourism point of view, had it been any other state, Darnigbadi would be transformed beyond recognition, local senior citizens alleged.
The place is devoid of budget hotels making it impossible for the visitors to spend a few days here. Unavailability of varieties of delectable food at affordable price is another reason that causes dissatisfaction among the visitors.
This apart, with the picnic season set in is making a bee line of picnickers every day. Finding the spot bereft of facilities like cemented platforms and benches for picnic, visitors lament the delay of the development even further.
“We heard of a lot about Daringbadi however the real picture upon arrival hurt us,” some visitors observed.
Visitors coming here are facing another problem. In case of nature’s call, women tourists and men alike have nowhere to relieve them; as almost all spots have no public toilet facility.
Though the construction of community toilets is also included in the draft plan, it seems one has to wait until a corner is decided based on the draft plan.
“If the government really wants to improve the tourism industry and attract tourists to Daringbadi, steps mentioned in the draft plan must be taken on priority basis,” demanded some nature lovers including Ladu Kishore Sahu, Renubala Sahu, social activist Suresh Baliarsingh and some local residents.
PNN