Jajpur: Even as the luxury cottages near Kusuma pond have come under public scanner for private use, Jajpur Municipality has claimed that those belong to the Sports department of the Odisha government.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, vice-chairman of Jajpur Municipality Santosh Mallick said nine cottages on the premises of children’s park near Kusuma pond come under the Sports department. Those were built with an estimated Rs 8 crore provided from CSR fund of some companies.
He said though 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 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 efforts to bring bad name to Kusuma pond are not stopped, the municipality would be forced to take necessary steps 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 used to visit the cottages for unethical purpose, amusement, fun and merry-making.
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