Sambalpur: Veer Surendra Sai Memorial is under construction in Barbakhra, Story of the liberation struggle is reflected in the stone walls

Tourists will enjoy waterfalls, Jungle tours, and picnics

Sambalpur: The Barpahad mountain range stretching from Sambalpur district through Bargarh district to the Chhattisgarh border bears many memories of the Indian freedom struggle. Staying in this Barpahar and its adjacent forest, Veer Surendra Sai and his allies rebelled against the British. Their armed struggle shook the British administration. Efforts have been started by Hirakud Wildlife Park to preserve the memory of this freedom struggle that took place between 1830 and 1860.

‘Veer Surendra Sai Memorial’ is being constructed by the forest department near Barbakhara waterfall in Ambina block of Bargarh district adjacent to Debrigarh sanctuary. In this sequence, the picture of the story of Surendra Sai’s struggle is carved on the stone body. The sculptors are engaged in this work under the supervision of DFO, Hirakud Wildlife. Various arrangements are being made to attract more and more tourists to see this monument and enjoy the natural beauty of the waterfall. A restaurant is being constructed near the said memorial of Barbakhara and all facilities are being made for picnics. Similarly, arrangements are being made for the forest tour of the tourists. Beautifully crafted shrines are being developed for the worship of Maa Samleswari and Saptarushi at the Barbakhra shrine.

Earlier, tourists from neighboring districts and Chhattisgarh used to come to Barbakhara throughout the year, but in the coming days, it will attract tourists from the state and outside the state, DFO Anshupragya Das said. Veer Surendra Sai memorial site, restaurant, picnic site, pilgrimage site, forest etc. will be managed by the local environment committee. A committee will be formed with the people of the local area following Veer Surendra Sai. Ms. Das said that the revenue to be obtained from this will be invested for the maintenance of the said infrastructure. She expressed hope that the people of about 100 villages around Barbakhra will protect it. It is worth noting that Barbakhara is a huge waterfall that is quite high above the sea level. There are numerous caves attached to it. On Rainy and cold days, its unspoiled natural beauty enchants the tourists.