Nuapada: Thipakhola waterfall situated in Sinapali block of Nuapada district has been accorded the status of a tourist place by the state government, but necessary infrastructure development for the spot has allegedly not been taken.
Locals accused the state government of showing apathy towards its development. They have demanded adequate measures for its development. The waterfall is ensconced in the lap of a scenic natural setting in this hilly region.
One who has visited the spot even once knows the charm of the place. The place is reportedly inaccessible and has remained out of the notice of the visitors in the absence of proper connectivity.
Locals pointed out that communication facility is a must for development of a tourist spot. ”This place has no road. People coming from far off places face problems while searching for a place to rest or any accommodation,” they lamented.
A delegation of local people recently met Culture and Tourism Minister Jyotiprakash Panigrahi in Bhubaneswar and submitted him a memorandum in this regard.
Taking note of the memorandum, the minister has assured that he would visit the place and a blueprint for its development will be drawn up.
“A discussion will be held with tourism officials about cost estimate for the development of the waterfall. After a proposal is approved, its work will be taken up,” the minister said.
Thipakhola waterfall is 15 km away from the Sinapali block headquarters. In winter, a large number of visitors come to this place to enjoy its scenic natural beauty. People from districts like Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Bolangir, Bargarh and Nuapada throng the place for picnics.
As the place is close to the borders of Chhattisgarh, many people from this state too visit it.
Local BJD leaders, social activists and members of clubs have demanded immediate measures for development of the place to make optimum use of its tourism potential.
PNN