Nuagaon: (Dipak Kumar Rout) The Panchupandaba Pitha, a site of spiritual significance located in Nuagaon Block of Nayagarh district, stands as a silent witness to broken promises. Despite being officially recognised as a tourist destination years ago, the site remains in a state of decay. For the local community, the shrine is no longer a symbol of pride but a stark reminder of administrative failure and alleged financial irregularities. 
Broken Promises at Panchupandaba Pitha: A Decade of Neglect and Decay


A Promise Frozen in Time

In 2009, high-profile officials and political leaders laid the foundation for the development of this site. Located conveniently along National Highway 57 (NH-57), the project aimed to transform the shrine into a major tourist attraction. A commemorative plaque was installed to mark the beginning of this new chapter.
However, over a decade later, that plaque is almost all that remains of the project. Visitors today find a site devoid of basic facilities. There are no proper toilets, drinking water stations, or rest areas for pilgrims. Furthermore, the lack of regular maintenance has led to poor hygiene and sanitation, making the environment unwelcoming for travelers and devotees alike.

Allegations of Corruption

Local residents and activists are pointing fingers at the previous administration. They claim that while funds were sanctioned for the "beautification and modernization" of the Pitha, the visible results on the ground are non-existent. The project was inaugurated with much fanfare by local leaders, including Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo, but the momentum vanished shortly after the cameras left. 


Critics are calling it a "grand scam," alleging that the money intended for the shrine's development was mismanaged or diverted. The site, which should have been a bustling hub of culture and tourism, now lies "unclaimed and unrecognized" by the very departments meant to protect it.

Waiting for Justice

The community metaphorically describes the current state of the deities as being trapped in a "Chakravyuh"—a complex web of bureaucratic neglect. Despite multiple appeals to the district administration, the site continues to deteriorate.
The people of Nayagarh are now looking toward the current administration for a fresh intervention. They are demanding:
  • A transparent investigation into the funds spent since 2009.
  • Immediate restoration of the shrine and surrounding areas.
  • Basic infrastructure to support the influx of tourists from the nearby national highway.
As the Panchupandaba Pitha remains hidden behind wild overgrowth and broken stones, the question remains: when will the administration finally open its eyes to this forgotten heritage?