Complexes sans tourists

The New Indian Express, May 29, 2007

BHAWANIPATNA: To boost tourism in Kalahandi, the State Government had initiated construction of two tourist complexes in the district - one at Beheraguda on the outskirts of Bhawanipatna and the other at Thuamul Rampur in 1992. While one complex is yet to see the light of the day, the other is in a shambles today.

In fact, the Beheraguda tourist complex has been marred by controversies ever since it received administrative approval 15 years back. The then chief minister Biju Patnaik had allocated funds to the tune of Rs. 31 lakh for the construction of the complex with additional allotment of Rs. 10 lakh for area development. The foundation stone was laid on September 5, 1992.

Although the tender was floated by PWD, R&B division and the work was allotted to a contractor, the latter did not proceed after the work got completed up to the plinth level. Subsequently, the tender was cancelled.

Out of the total estimated cost, Rs. 27 lakh is still lying unspent with the State Public Works Department since 1994-95. Meanwhile, the half-completed work has also deteriorated and no new contractors are ready to take up the unfinished work.

Sources in the Tourism Department said the issue of non-completion of the complex has been repeatedly raised by the department and compliance and utilisation certificates for the fund allotted have also been sought from the Works Department but there is no response.

At present, the Public Works Department, Bhawanipatna division, is preparing a revised estimate to the tune of about Rs. 70 lakh even though Rs. 27 lakh sanctioned initially remains unutilised.

Executive engineer Asit Kumar Badpanda said on receipt of administrative approval and allotment of funds as per the revised estimate, work will be resumed.

Meanwhile, though the tourist complex at Thuamul Rampur saw the light of the day, water supply and electrification work could not be executed. At present, the shutters, doors, windows and interior fittings have been either damaged or stolen. The Works Department is yet to submit a revised estimate and is asking for Rs. 37.76 lakh more.