Jorpokhari, the once-famed tourist spot
in the hills, has gradually lost all its charm and presently lies in a
desolate state. The Jorpokhari tourist lodge, once known as Dakbangla,
is vividly described in noted Nepali writer Shivkumar Rai’s celebrated
novel of the same name. The entire Kanchenjunga range can be viewed in
full splendour from the area, but the place by itself is failing to
capture visitors’ attention.
Jorphokhari came into the limelight as a
top tourist destination in 2000 following several initiatives taken by
the then DGHC. The place also became famous as a base camp for
Sandakphu-bound tourists.
Unfortunately, this tourist destination
has been witnessing fewer visitor numbers over the past few years, more
so due to the indifference being shown to it by the concerned
department.
Spot manager Satya Prakash Chettri said
several notices have been submitted to the authorities, but renovation
works have been negligible. He said the two roads that connect
Jorpokhari to Simana and Sukhaypokhari are in a deplorable state.
Requests were put up several times requested to set up an amusement park
and an observatory here to boost tourism, but they all fell on deaf
ears. Chettri warned the spot will merge with the surrounding wilderness
if renovation and beautification works are not begun immediately. He
added there are plans to start wildlife night safaris too, but that
seems a very far cry at the moment.
Area residents said the tourism
department of the GTA must revive the lost glory of Jorphokhari. The
region is also home to the endangered Salamander and the authorities
must ensure that these rare reptiles are protected while promoting
tourism, they noted.(EOIC)