Kendrapara: The state government has decided to provide a face lift to a majestic colonial building on the idyllic Jamboo island in Odisha's Kendrapara district.
Built in the early twentieth century, the building served as a rest house for navigators. The structure lay in neglect for years and is on the verge of collapse.
The colonial building has been included in the heritage restoration project under the World Bank-funded Integrated Coastal Zone Management Programme (ICZMP).
A detailed project report for its refurbishment is now being drawn up to rebuild the structure, said ICZMP project director Sushant Nanda.
Once the building is renovated, the place would turn into a destination for tourists. With inflow of tourists, it would generate income for the people living in the vicinity.
"Jamboo is a colonial heritage site which has not been showcased properly till date. We are hopeful that heritage tourism would grow with the refurbishment of the dilapidated building," he said.
"The Hukitola colonial building located nearby has already been refurbished under ICZMP-funded project. It is now attracting a large number of tourists as a eco-tourism destination. Jamboo is a potential eco-tourism spot that is likely to attract tourists in future," said the official.
The heritage building bears the signature of British structural design.
Due care will be taken to maintain the original characterises of the colonial building. Vagaries of nature have taken a heavy toll on it.
The salinity content in atmosphere of the place has led to wear and tear of the building.
"The building is in a very bad shape. It might fall to pieces any moment. Care should be taken to maintain its original colonial characteristics," said archaeologist Bijoy Kumar Rath.