Jajpur: The Sports Department on Friday denied having funded the “buildings within the Kusuma pond campus” in Odisha’s Jajpur district.
The department further clarified it had no information about this project. “The district administration may be contacted for any further information about this project,” it added.
This came hours after Jajpur Municipality claimed that the luxury cottages near Kusuma pond belong to the Sports Department.
Speaking at a presser, vice-chairman of Jajpur Municipality Santosh Mallick said nine cottages on the premises of children’s park near Kusuma pond come under the department. Those were built at an estimated Rs 8 crore provided from CSR fund of some companies.
He said though the district collector has already clarified on the matter, a deliberate effort was being made to create a controversy to tarnish the image of Kusuma. Besides, former BJD MLA Pranab Prakash Das was also being dragged into the controversy without any justifiable ground, he added.
“Kusuma pond is the ‘asmita’ of Jajpur district. It is one of major tourist destinations in the state. The tourists from across the country visit the pond for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. But a section of media has targeted it to bring bad name to the place,” Mallick said.
He also warned that if the ongoing attempts to bring bad name to Kusuma pond are not stopped, the municipality would be forced to take necessary action in this regard.
It may be noted that the local people had raised objection to construction of luxurious buildings along the Kusuma pond and children’s park maintained by the municipality. They wanted to know why these cottages were constructed at a place meant for public use. They also alleged that influential and rich people visited the cottages for unethical purpose, amusement, fun and merry-making.
Also Read: Kusuma Bungalow In Odisha’s Jajpur Comes Under Scanner After ‘Balle Balle Dhaba’