Koraput: A Boat club at Jeypore in Koraput district of Odisha lies neglected without even being used for a single day since its completion around three years back, locals say.
It was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 70 lakh to woo tourists. Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) had constructed the club on the banks of Jagannath Sagar. Though the project was completed in 2010-11, it is yet to be thrown open to public.
"It`s very unfortunate that tourist spots of the district are lying neglected and condition of the boat club is no different. Lakhs of rupees was spent for its construction, but the club is yet to be used. It`s sheer wastage of public money," alleged campaigner Akshaya Sahu.
Bereft of maintenance, the club wears a dirty look. Layers of dust on floors, cobwebs hanging from every nook and corner and with walls cracking, the building looks like a haunted house.
Locals alleged the club has turned to be a favourite haunt for anti-socials and people have started using the area for defecating.
"If the club is not used soon valuable items could be stolen. The officials concerned should take necessary steps to ensure the club operates at the earliest," said Rajendra Gouda, secretary of Jeypore Sachetana Nagarika Parishad, a social outfit.
Admitting that the club will boost tourism sector in the district, district tourist officer (Koraput) Bhagaban Khora said, "As the OTDC deals with it, we have no role to play. Several times in past we had urged the OTDC to make the club operational, but in vain."
