Kaptipada: Samibrukhya, a site having mythological importance, in Debala panchayat under Kaptipada block in Mayurbhanj district, has been accorded the tag of a tourism spot in 2003. But, no remarkable infrastructure development has been carried out to boost tourism at the site.
As tourism season begins, a large number of people throng the place for picnicking. The tourism minister and officials of the department had promised to carry out development of the place, but nothing is being done, locals alleged.
Then Collector Rajesh Prabhakar Patil had provided Rs 15 lakh under the Backward Region Grant Fund for development of the site. Some works on drinking water, picnic platforms, toilets, dustbins, solar-powered lighting and stair constructions were made.
The district administration has drawn up an action plan for the development of tourism at Samibrukhya at a cost of Rs 1.15 crore and drawn the attention of the tourism department.
Locals lamented that as funds have not been available, no further development of the place was carried out.
Mass festival Makar will be observed at the site for 10 days from January 14. After a lot of pressure from Ananta Basudev Trust and locals, various projects worth Rs 30 lakh are under way.
But necessary infrastructure like drinking water, electricity and dyke along Kushabhadra river have not been taken up. Locals have demanded immediate work on those projects.
Kal dam is to the east of Samibrukhya while Kushabhadra flows near it. The greenery of Similipal on its west offers a picture postcard view to the tourists. A few metres away are Dubigad hill, a pond and remains of an ancient temple.
Itagarh hill near it has a treasure of important archeological remnants. The prominent feature of the place is a huge outcrop protruding out of the earth.
Legend has it that mythological character Bhima had set ablaze Kichak at Podahiha near the site. The Pandava princes used to stay at the place during their exile.
Locals have made idols of Draupadi and the Pandavas and are worshipping them.
District tourism officer Manoranjan Mohapatra said development work is going on in commensurate with the funds provided.
PNN