Mines: Sorrow of heavenly Keonjhar

Keonjhar district of Odisha is known for its unique flora and fauna reserves. It is a place wherein we find natural beauty like forest and mountains springs, water fall and numerous temples. But the beauty is now in danger because of the mines and minerals. A large number of mines and related factories have been mushroomed in the district after the government's faulty mining policy. The greeneries and natural beauties of the district do not attract industrialists much rathers the mineral resources.

It is crystal clear that the Keonjhar can make the state exchequer more prosperous if it could attract both tourists from India as well as abroad. The district has lots of small and large waterfalls. Khandhar, the longest & the most fascinating waterfall is situated in Keonjhar district. Kundapani is another prepossessing waterfall situated in Banshpal block. It has also two other waterfalls called Rajam and Jhilipani. The two waterfalls which have heightened the glory of the district in all over the country are 'Sana Ghagara' and 'Badaghagara'. These two hails from Machhakandana river of Keonjhar district. Another imposing and magnificent waterfall is called 'Gundichagiri' of Harichandanpur block. Another enchanting tourist spot is Bhimkunda waterfall which is in Patna block.

Besides waterfalls, the humongous mountain-range, Khandhara which spreads from Banshpal block of Keonjhar to Banei of Sundargarh district is also adds beauty to the frame. Snowfall is the most fascinating scenery here.

Besides Puri, Ghatagaon Tarini Pitha congregates highest number of pilgrims. 'Gonasika' is another legendary tourist spot from the river Baitarani hails. The famous Baldevjeu Mandir and palace are also famous tourist spots. The magnificent beauty spot Sidhamatha is situated nearby the Keonjhar town. Sidhamatha is famous for Sidddhi Jagannath, Sidha Hanuman, Sidhakali and Mohan caves.

Another antique Pitha of Buddhist and Jains is called Baula. It is situated in Hatadihi block of Anandpur subdivision. It is also known as 'Chakratirtha'. Likewise the historic 'Podasingidi Gada' is 20 km far from the Anandpur. Here dilapidated Bauddha and Jain statues can be seen.

Another attractive historic place is Sitabinj. It is situated in Ghatagaon block which is 30 km far from Keonjhar town. It has two large caves. Paintings of royal battles have been depicted on the walls.

Though the district has a tremendous potential of tourist attraction, still State Government is not heeding much to make it as a perfect tourist destination. Instead a large number of people across the country congregated here only for mining. As abundance on precious mineral reserved in the district, it has become a hot spot for miners. One can find more than hundreds of illegal mines here, which pollute the atmosphere as well as ruin the natural beauty of the district.

In between the battle of mines and tourism, the former came out as victorious. Though state government has taken steps to stop illegal mining, the promotion of tourism is still an ignored issue.