Kandra (Seraikela-Kharsawan): Call it sheer apathy or signature bureaucracy in this state, tourist infrastructure developed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore along a state highway here is lying unused for seven years.
The single-storey motel sprawls over an acre near Padampur village on state highway 5, connecting Jamshedpur with Seraikela, and boasts 16 furnished rooms, a portico, a lobby, a buffet area, a laundry and a souvenir store, among others.
It is strategically located in close proximity to tourist spots like Chandil Dam, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Joyda Temple, Palna Dam (all in Chandil), Rajkiya Chhau Nritya Kala Kendra, Seraikela Rajmahal (both in Seraikela) and Sitarampur Dam (in Gamharia).
According to conservative estimates, Seraikela-Kharsawan witnesses an annual tourist footfall of nearly 3 lakh. Yet, the highway motel is lying under lock and key. Dense undergrowth has hemmed in the compound. The building has weathered. And, the main gate is gathering rust.
A source in the special division of Seraikela-Kharsawan rural development department said construction of the facility, meant for tourist convenience, began in 2009 and was completed within two years.
"The entire project was funded by the state tourism department and executed by the special division of rural development. It is unfortunate that the wayside amenities are not being used. The tourism department was supposed to rope in a private agency to run and maintain the property," said Seraikela Kharsawan deputy development commissioner Akansha Ranjan.
General manager of Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation Alok Prasad elaborated why the motel was being kept under lock and key.
"We had hired a private agency from Jamshedpur to run the facility under renovate, operate, maintain and transfer (ROMT) basis in 2012. Unfortunately, the agency later decided not to run the motel and surrendered the agreement after a few months. We have been looking for a new firm since," said Prasad.
Corporation insiders were more candid. They said the motel lacked a pucca approach road, which was why the agency refused to undertake operation and maintenance.
Seraikela-Kharsawan deputy commissioner Chhavi Ranjan said he would check if construction of a bituminous approach road was part of the original project.
"The site is very near to the Kandra-Seraikela double-lane road and kutcha road is barely 50 metres long. I do not think road connectivity is the real issue. The JTDC should find out what is ailing the facility," he added.
Joint director (tourism) Rajiv Ranjan claimed land problems. "The patch of land surrounding the tourist facility belongs to a tribal who is not willing to part with it. So, we cannot build a proper approach road. No agency is willing to run the motel without an approach road, saying commercial viability will suffer. We are planning to write to the deputy commissioner to facilitate land acquisition. We are willing to pay decent compensation," he said.
