Cuttack, May 17: The tourism department has started work for development of Swaraj Ashram, once the focal point of the Indian Freedom Struggle and Indian National Congress in Odisha, in an attempt to give it a heritage look.
The beautification plan for the integrated development of Swaraj Ashram is a follow-up to the completion of restoration and conservation of the more than 160-year-old heritage structure (main building) by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach).
The tourism department plans to clear all the dilapidated structures within the ashram precincts. "We plan to bring about integral development by reconstruction and landscaping the premises area for beautification of Swaraj Ashram," tourism officer Reena Rath told The Telegraph today.
"The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) has already started work on the beautification project. With Rs 50 lakh provided for the purpose, we expect to be give Swaraj Ashram a new look before Independence Day this year," Rath said.
The state government declared Swaraj Ashram as a protected monument in 1986 under the Orissa Monument Preservation Act. In 1992, the property in the name and style of Swaraj Ashram spread over 0.490 acres was vested with the state government following the declaration by the court of the collector, Cuttack.
But physical takeover was possible in January 2004 following eviction of unauthorised occupants from the premises. The Cuttack collector has since been its custodian.
In 2013, Intach help was sought to convert it into a heritage tourism destination. Senior officials in the district administration said restoration and conservation work to increase the stability of the heritage structure (main building) had been completed. Interior work, along with display of portraits of freedom fighters, had also been done.
"As part of the beautification project, an entrance arch will replace the old gateway with state-of-the-art illumination along with construction of an audio-visual room, a cafeteria and park with ornamental plants and flowers," Rath said. The tourism department plans to screen films and documentaries on freedom fighters at the audio-visual room.
Social activist Chittaranjan Mohanty said: "Though Swaraj Ashram was the hub of freedom struggle it has virtually received ritualistic attention by way of flag hoisting on the Independence Day, Republic Day and other important dates of our struggle for Independence. We can only hope that the ongoing efforts will be able to spread awareness on the ashram and turn it into a tourist destination."
Swaraj Ashram at Sahebzada Bazar formally came into existence in March 1921 when Mahatma Gandhi was to make his first tour to Cuttack. On March 13, 1921, the first Pradesh Congress Committee was constituted there with Pandit Gopabandhu Das as president and for the first time 12 members were elected to the AICC. The ashram's function was initially to train workers and facilitate Congress work. Gradually, it also became the centre of activities of all programmes of the Congress, including propagation of khadi, prohibition and removal of untouchability.
