Jharsuguda:Oct 26 [UDN}:Jharsuguda District Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan visited various tourist destinations and rural areas under Lakhanpur Block to assess the existing infrastructure, review ongoing development works and understand the problems faced by local residents. During the visit, Lakhanpur Block Development Officer (BDO) Binay Patel accompanied the Collector.
At the beginning of the tour, the District Collector visited the historic tourist destination of Bikramkhol Cave. Keeping the natural beauty of the area and environmental protection in mind, he issued strict instructions to the Forest Department to ensure that the entire tourist site remains completely plastic-free. He also directed the concerned authorities to improve the road connecting the site so that it becomes suitable for the smooth movement of vehicles, making the destination more accessible and convenient for tourists.
Following this, the Collector visited Tetliabahal village, where he interacted directly with residents and listened to their concerns. During the discussion, villagers highlighted the serious difficulties they faced due to the absence of a water body in the village. The lack of a pond had created problems for residents who needed water for bathing and for providing drinking water to their domestic animals.
Although excavation work for a water body had previously been initiated under a government scheme, the project had remained incomplete because of the rocky terrain. Taking note of the villagers’ difficulties, the Collector directed the BDO to prepare and submit a detailed proposal, along with the estimated cost, to complete the excavation work under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund. The proposed intervention aims to provide a lasting solution to the village’s water-related problems.
The District Collector subsequently visited the popular picnic destination of Lal Pathar. Emphasising the need to maintain cleanliness and protect the natural environment, he instructed the BDO to coordinate effectively with the Banjari Gram Panchayat Sarpanch to ensure that the tourist spot remains clean and plastic-free.
To protect the site from potential damage caused by heavy vehicles, the Collector also advised the authorities to install appropriate barricades to restrict their movement. Furthermore, he suggested introducing a fixed user fee for visitors to generate funds for the regular maintenance and upkeep of the tourist destination. The proposed measures are intended to improve site management, preserve the natural surroundings and ensure the long-term sustainability of the location as a tourist attraction.
At the final stage of his tour, the Collector visited the famous Khadudu Cave, a revered Shaivite pilgrimage site, where he offered prayers to Lord Shiva. Recognising the religious and tourism significance of the location, he stressed the importance of maintaining a plastic-free environment and improving facilities for devotees and visitors.
He directed the concerned authorities to coordinate with the local Panchayat and take immediate steps towards constructing an improved road leading to the cave. The proposed road improvement is expected to facilitate easier and safer access for devotees, pilgrims and tourists visiting the religious destination.
Through these visits, District Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan reviewed both tourism-related infrastructure and essential village-level requirements. His directions focused on environmental conservation, improved road connectivity, sustainable maintenance of tourist sites and addressing the basic needs of rural communities.
The visit reflects the district administration’s efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure in Lakhanpur Block while ensuring cleanliness, environmental protection and better public facilities for local residents and visitors alike.
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