Saranda forest. Telegraph Picture

Jamshedpur, Nov. 12: Once a popular tourist destination, Saranda forest has now virtually become inaccessible. Reason: roads in the tourist spot are far from motorable due to the Naxalite threat and inadequate funds for their maintenance.

Nearly five years after most guesthouses and forest lodges operating at Saranda, about 140km from here, downed their shutters fearing Naxalite attacks, the ill-maintained roads are taking a toll on the tourism prospect of Saranda.

The roads in a shambles are also increasing the security concerns. Patrolling in forest areas has completely stopped, giving a free run to the Naxalites and the poachers.

S.R. Natesa, the Saranda divisional forest officer (DFO), said patrolling the area was essential.

“We have to keep a tab on the core areas to ensure that there is no poaching of the tuskers and other animals. This apart, tree-felling is another menace for which the department has to remain vigilant by carrying out intensive patrolling,” he said.

But with roads in a pathetic condition, over the past 10 years, the government has curtailed funds for maintenance of the roads as revenue collection from the forest dropped drastically, said the divisional forest officer.

“Till 1997, the government used to provide funds for maintenance of the 350km stretch of road. But after that we are getting funds for only 40km. As a result of the curtailment in funds, the maintenance of the road has been affected,” said Natesa.

A.K. Gupta, the regional conservator of forests, said the deteriorating condition of the road in Saranda had triggered numerous problems.

“While patrolling has stopped due to the growing Naxalite activities, absence of adequate funds to maintain and repair roads has further compounded the problem,” said Gupta.