RURAL TOURISM BOOST

Kusuma Lake and Barunabant Hill: A Hidden Gem Rises from Odisha’s Mining Scars

Barunabant Hill, tucked away in Barchana block of Jajpur district in coastal Odisha, has witnessed a remarkable transformation. Once marked by deep craters from years of laterite mining near the village of Bhusandhpur, the hill's foothills were a damaged but lush green landscape—ripe for revival.

The turnaround began when a local PRI member recognized the area's untapped potential. Situated near well-known pilgrimage spots like the Mhavinayak Temple and Maa Chandi Mandir—both nestled in the folds of Barunabant and even mentioned in the Mahabharata for their natural surroundings—the site offered more than just ruins.

With community backing, the PRI member spearheaded the creation of a park, adding basic infrastructure and landscaping the abandoned mines. A cluster of four to five craters was artistically reshaped into a beautiful water body, now known as Kusuma Lake. Fed by rainwater runoff from the surrounding hills, the lake proved ideal for boating and water sports, quickly becoming a magnet for visitors.

As footfall increased, so did local opportunities. What was once a forgotten mining zone is now a flourishing eco-tourism spot, drawing people from across Odisha and offering a livelihood boost to the surrounding community. Barunabant Hill today stands as a symbol of revival—where nature, history, and initiative come together to create something truly special.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Focus on Agriculture

Image
Why IT Professionals in India Shifting Focus on Farming? Himansu Rout  In recent years, a notable trend has emerged in India: IT professionals, often dubbed "techies," are ditching high-paying corporate jobs for farming, particularly organic agriculture. This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects a quest for fulfillment, sustainability, and balance amid urban burnout. Stories of successful transitions highlight why this preference is growing. Reasons: First, the relentless stress of IT careers drives many to seek mental peace and work-life balance. For instance, Someshwar Singh, an IT worker, returned to his Uttar Pradesh village during lockdowns, finding solace in farming papayas on four acres, earning Rs 15 lakh annually while retaining his job.  Similarly, Suresh Devang quit his US-based software role, inspired by health benefits of organic produce and family roots, to farm in Mysuru, yielding Rs 6 lakhs in profits with water-efficient methods. ...
Read more

ECOLOGY IN PERILS

Image
Hills in Odisha's Jajpur Bear The Brunt of Wanton Mining Himansu Rout Once a modest hill enhancing the scenic beauty along the Kolha-Aruha border in Odisha’s Jajpur district, the area now bears the scars of unchecked mining. What remains is a massive water-filled crater, eerily resembling a lake — a stark reminder of the ecological toll. As Odisha accelerated its infrastructure development, the demand for construction materials like stone boulders and chips surged. This created a lucrative opportunity for the stone mafia, who swiftly targeted the region’s hills. Mining operations expanded rapidly, often without regard for environmental norms.  Mafia along with some unscrupulous officials allegedly made big  bucks at the cost of the state coffers. With massive black money, the mining lobby was accused of bankrolling the elections of a particular party. It wasn't until concerned social activists raised alarms and pursued legal action that the illegal ac...
Read more