Balangir: The state government and the district administration have drawn flak from various quarters for failing to send proposal to the Centre within the specified time to get funds for development of the tourism projects here.

Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma had, during his tour to Balangir last year, asked the state officials to send a proposal to the Centre for development of four projects - Harishankar and Ranipur-Jharial in Balangir district, Patora dam in Nuapada district and Nrushinghanath temple in Bargarh district before September 2017, so that the Centre could release Rs 50 crore for the projects in the current fiscal.

Both the district administrations and state government failed to meet the deadline.

Balangir resident Rashmi Ranjan Dani said it was unfortunate that the district missed an opportunity to develop tourist destinations in the district, which were lying in neglect due to shortage of funds. Dani said: "Harishankar comes under Patnagarh constituency and we have a BJP legislature there."

"Even BJP MLA K.V. Singhdeo, who happens to represent Patnagarh, didn't take any steps to see that proposal for Harishankar that belongs to his constituency is sent before the deadline," Dani said.

The archaeological site of Ranipur-Jharial now has only 52 temples. Once it used to house 120 temples. Most of these temples are in a dilapidated condition and need immediate attention. The hypaethral temple of 64 yoginees, in various dancing pose, is a unique monument. Sadly, 13 of these 64 structures of yoginees made up of sandstone are missing and some are damaged beyond recognition. Harishankar in Balangir district and Patora Dam in Nuapada need immediate attention.

Minister of food and civil supply, Suryo Narayan Patra said the state government send the proposals this year on time.