Jajpur’s Kusuma bungalow comes under scanner after ‘Balle Balle Dhaba’

Jajpur: Amid a statewide brouhaha over the ‘Balle Balle Dhaba’ in Dharmasala, a new controversy has surfaced over a mysterious Kusuma bungalow on the premises of a children’s park, also in Odisha’s Jajpur district

Locals said that the luxurious buildings have been constructed along the Kusuma pond and children’s park maintained by Jajpur Municipality. However, no one knows who has constructed these buildings and with whose permission. Local residents also want to know why these bungalows were constructed at a place meant for public use. They also make serious allegations that influential and rich people used to visit the buildings for unethical purpose, amusement, fun and merry-making.

The Housing and Urban Development department had approved a proposal in 2011 for the revival and beautification of Kusuma pond to promote tourism in the area. The then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the project taken up at a cost of Rs 22 crore in March, 2018. An amount of Rs 6.69 crore was sanctioned in 2019-20 for a floating musical fountain in the pond.

Locals claim that several Bollywood singers and actresses had visited the complex for the inauguration ceremony and the total expenses incurred on the event was quite more than what was incurred for the construction of the pond and its beautification

The park with beautiful landscape and boating facilities in the pond attracted a large number of tourists. However, these luxurious bungalows were also constructed in the park in a clandestine manner. Visitors were not allowed inside Kusuma park area for five months in the name of renovation. Locals allege that the bungalows were constructed during this period.

Visitors are required to pay an entry fee of Rs 30 to enter the Kusuma complex looked after by Jajpur Municipality. However, they are reportedly not allowed to enter the area where the bungalows are located. Kusuma complex is located in BJD organisational secretary and former MLA Pranab Prakash Das’ area. Now, people want to know as to who have been visiting these buildings and for what kind of activities.

While the buildings remain shrouded by mystery, the administration also does not have any concrete answer to the questions being raised by visitors and others. Meanwhile, the district Collector of Jajpur has reportedly ordered a probe into the matter.

Stating that the Municipality executive officer was called, Jajpur Collector Nikhil Pawan Kalyan said the Municipality authorities have been asked to find out how much money was spent on the project, land details, pattas and who executed the work.

While Rs 22 crore was sanctioned for the revival and beautification of the Kusuma pond over 20 acres of land in 2011, lighting, children’s park, and installation of the statue of Kusuma queen around the pond were done with the sanctioned funds.

Local residents seek a thorough probe to crack the ‘mystery’ surrounding the bungalow. They claim that there are at least nine cottages in two-storeyed structures which were being used by powerful and influential people, while others were not allowed.

It is alleged that luxury and high-end cars were being parked outside the Kusuma bungalow and people used to visit the building during night. Locals claim that several political leaders and government officers often visited the bungalow which was used as a venue for merry-making. Claiming that all activities in the bungalow were carried out in a mysterious manner, they have demanded a thorough probe to ascertain the fact.