Ansupa lake needs infrastructure boost to woo tourists

The lone freshwater lake in the State, Ansupa, surrounded by the nature’s bounty, is wallowing in neglect.
Image used for representational purpose
Image used for representational purpose

ATHAGARH: The lone freshwater lake in the State, Ansupa, surrounded by the nature’s bounty, is wallowing in neglect. On a winter sojourn, birds from across the globe come here every year  for nesting in the mangrove and bamboo plants at the foothills of Saranda and Bishnupur hills. However, the sylvan setting is losing its natural charm gradually, locals alleged. Not just that, sources said this tourist spot has turned into a hub of corruption.

During rainy season, the lake gets water from river Mahanadi through Kabulah and Huluhula canals. The catchment area of this horseshoe-shaped lake is 5,231 hectares, which includes at least 28 revenue villages.

According to folklore, King Subarna Keshari had established a revenue village at the foothills of Saranda, located on the banks of the lake and named it after him  as Subarnapur. According to historians, during the reign of Dhala dyansty in Banki, a fort was established on Saranda hill for the protection of the King.

Even today, the ruins of gun-powder house, gates made of stones and a watch tower can be found at Ansupa. However, the alleged negligence of the State Government towards the maintenance of the spot and its upliftment is apparently keeping tourists away from this scenic beauty.

Sources said crores of rupees had been sanctioned through multiple departments of the government in the past five years for development of its infrastructure. However, sources added the funds were embezzled by some unscrupulous officials.   Several NGOs and contractors were engaged for its renovation. However, they all abandoned the work halfway for reasons unknown, sources alleged.

Some spots were developed on the banks of Ansupa for picnic by the Tourism department. An Eco-park and boating facilities were also set up by Horticulture department. Three bamboo cottages were made for the tourists  by the Forest department. Sources said the Environment department had also extended financial grants for its renovation.

As per its development plan, a deer park, market for handicraft products and visitors’ gallery were supposed to be built here. The plan had also mentioned about the construction of a fishing jetty, ropeway from Saranda hill to Bishnupur hill across Ansupa. However, the foundation of all these projects haven’t been laid yet. The lake area is now filled with weeds. Its catchment area is being  encroached by villagers. Experts said the water level has decreased by four or five feet in the last 20 to 25 years.

With scarcity of water in Mahanadi, sufficient water is not reaching the lake. Besides, blasting of stones by mafias had frightened away the migratory birds, which have changed their destinations.

As the State Government gave its go-ahead to a set up a Foreign Liquor Shop near the picnic area, boozers often loiter there, creating nuisance, locals said. Meanwhile, tourists are disappointed at the sorry state of affairs. “Journey was very pleasant as the roads from Bhubaneswar to Ansupa were fine. But not anymore,” say tourists.

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The New Indian Express
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