Tourist spots in Balasore cry for attention

BALASORE: Tourist getaways in the district are losing their sheen because of the State Government’s lackadaisical attitude in giving them a facelift.    Around 19 tourist spots in the district, including beaches at Talasari, Udaypur, Dagara and Talapada, have been witnessing a decline in footfalls, thanks to lack of infrastructure. While absence of proper roads to the beaches is a major deterrent, tourists complain about lack of lodges and eateries at Chandipur. Heritage activist Prasanta Padhi said modern amenities are a must for beach tourism.“The Government claims to have sanctioned funds for the beautification of these beaches. But nothing has been done yet,” he said, adding that investment in tourism will also contribute to employment generation.Several monuments of historical and cultural importance have perished. The State Archaeological Department’s apathy in declaring Dinamar Dinga, Olandaz Sahi and Farashi Dinga as heritage sites, has led to degeneration of these structures. While the palace at Nilagiri is  dilapidated, the Buddhist monasteries here need immediate repair. The Bhusandheswar Shiva temple that houses Asia’s largest Shiva lingam, Ayodhya where Jainism, Buddhism, Vaishnavism, Saivism and Shaktism converged, Chasakhand with freedom fighter Baghajatin’s memorial and the Raibania fort are no better.“Tourism has a multiplier effect on economy. If the Government wants to attract investment, it needs to develop tourism,” Padhi said.