Rourkela, Aug 8: A solar-powered small cold storage facility built with an investment of ₹14 lakh for the welfare and livelihood development of the Pabudi Bhuyan Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Sundargarh district has reportedly remained non-functional for years, raising serious questions over the utilisation of public funds.

The facility was constructed during 2022–23 at Kuliposh New Colony under Lahunipada block, with the objective of helping the Pabudi Bhuyan tribal community preserve agricultural and forest produce and improve their livelihood opportunities.

However, despite the government spending lakhs of rupees on the facility, the solar-powered cold storage is reportedly lying unused and has failed to serve the community for which it was established.

The continued non-functioning of the facility has triggered concern among members of the Pabudi Bhuyan community, who say the infrastructure has not delivered the benefits promised to them.

Bonai MLA Laxman Munda has also expressed concern over the situation and raised questions regarding the prolonged non-utilisation of the facility.

The issue has now put the spotlight on the implementation and monitoring of welfare projects meant for particularly vulnerable tribal communities. With a facility built specifically for the Pabudi Bhuyan people remaining defunct, questions are being raised over who is responsible for its maintenance and why the project has remained unused for so long.

The community is now seeking immediate intervention from the administration so that the facility can be made operational and put to its intended use.