Sambalpur: Antisocial Elements’ Rampage in Hirakud; Tourists Distressed, OISF Withdraws Security Post Citing Staff Shortage

OISF Blames Lack of Staff

Sambalpur: Many hopeful tourists visit the famous Hirakud Dam, but unfortunately, the menace of local miscreants often ruins their experience. As a result, many visitors hesitate to return.

Tourists Feel Unsafe

Along the dam’s main road, miscreants hang around and make families feel unsafe. Specifically, local youth have turned several tourist spots into hangout zones. They gather there from early morning, harass tourists in various ways, and even demand money. If someone refuses, they find new ways to trouble them.

On the left side of the dam (the left dyke), these groups often forcefully collect money and behave rudely. Tourists have frequently complained about this behavior, but despite that, both OISF (Odisha Industrial Security Force) and Hirakud police have stayed silent.

Security Gaps and Excuses

While the OISF is officially responsible for Hirakud Dam’s security, it has removed security posts from several restricted zones, claiming staff shortages. This has allowed the miscreants’ activities to increase. Moreover, since tourists rarely file police complaints, many such incidents go unreported.

In reality, both OISF and Hirakud police are responsible for protecting the tourist site and its visitors. Yet, it appears the police have turned a blind eye. Meanwhile, the miscreant youth continue to earn thousands of rupees daily by troubling tourists, without any police patrol or intervention.

Future Concerns

If this situation continues, the number of visitors to Hirakud may drop sharply in the coming days.

OISF Responds

When asked, OISF officer Pramod Mahapatra explained that their personnel are deployed up to the last check post on the left dyke. However, due to the heat, the guards often stay under trees for shade, which is why tourists don’t always see them. He added that if any tourist tries to enter a restricted zone, OISF stops them and warns them not to go inside.