Sambalpur: Chipilima Residents Demand Alternative Road to Ghanteswari Temple; Submit Memorandum to District Collector for Immediate Action

Sambalpur: Residents of Chipilima met the District Collector today, demanding the construction of an alternative road from Chipilima to the famous Ghanteswari Peeth. Alongside this, they also urged the authorities to take necessary steps for the overall development of Chipilima and nearby areas.

Background and Current Issues

The demand letter submitted to the District Collector mentioned that the Chipilima Hydropower Station was established in 1962. Since then, pilgrims and devotees visiting the renowned Ghanteswari Peeth have been forced to use a restricted road passing through the hydropower station. This route is not only unsafe but also causes anxiety among visitors due to its security restrictions.

Moreover, devotees from other states and regions hesitate to use this road because of these risks. Despite years of demands by the local residents, the administration has taken no concrete action to construct an alternative road to permanently resolve the issue.

Benefits of an Alternative Road

If an alternative road is constructed from Chipilima to Ghanteswari Peeth, several benefits will follow:

1. Improved Access for Pilgrims: Devotees can safely and conveniently reach the temple without relying on the restricted route.
2. Shorter Distance to Sambalpur: The new road will reduce the travel distance to Sambalpur by about 14 kilometers, easing connectivity for the local residents.
3. Better Opportunities for Students: Many students from Chipilima and surrounding villages commute to Sambalpur for higher education. The new road will make their daily travel easier.
4. Boost to Regional Tourism: The road will connect pilgrims from Bargarh, Balangir, Sonepur, and Chhattisgarh not only to Ghanteswari Peeth but also to other important spiritual destinations like Samaleswari Temple and the Bimaleswar Baba Temple in Huma.

This road will play a pivotal role in connecting three major pilgrimage sites in the district, thereby enhancing religious tourism in the region.

Connection to Past Proposals

In the past, there were plans to develop a triangular road network connecting various scenic and spiritual sites in Sambalpur. Constructing this alternative road would align with those earlier proposals, making them feasible and effective.

Timely Opportunity for Implementation

Currently, electricity generation at the Chipilima Hydropower Station is halted, and there is no water flow in the Mahanadi River from the project. This makes it an ideal time to conduct surveys and initiate the project without disrupting ongoing operations. The residents strongly appealed to the administration to take immediate action.

Key Stakeholders and Participation

The delegation submitting the demand included notable members such as Bajrangbali Barma, Sudhir Pujari, Ghanteswari Trust Board Chairman Sanjay Pujari, and Sanjay Pagada. They emphasized the urgency of addressing these long-standing issues for the betterment of the region and its people.