COVID-19 Locks Out Tourism At Iconic Spots In Odisha’s Keonjhar

Keonjhar: Sanaghagra Waterfall, a popular tourist destination in Keonjhar district, has been a deserted place for the past four months due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Its main gate is also barricaded to prevent tourists from entering the spot.

The waterfalls is located around six kilometres from Keonjhar town near Anjar village on National Highway-49. Earlier, visitors flocked to the site around the year for boating. But all that has come to a halt due to the pandemic.

Sources said following the closure, crores spent in the site’s development have gone to waste due to lack of maintenance.

The condition is similar with other tourist attractions in Keonjhar district such as Khandadhar, Handibhanga, Gundichaghagi, Bhimkund and Murga. The famous shrine of goddess Tarini also suffers the same fate.

The COVID-19 outbreak has badly affected the tourism industry that was largely contributing to the economy.

However, steps will be taken to reopen the sites after the government’s takes a decision in this regard, said Ramesh Chandra Nayak, tourism officer of Keonjhar district.

Also Read: Odisha’s Sanaghagara Waterfalls, Where Nature’s Bounty Mesmerises