Bhubaneswar, Ap 8: The historic Devasabha at Khandagiri is facing a complete water shortage despite existing pipe and tap connections, causing severe inconvenience to resident sadhus and visiting devotees.

Over 10 sadhus and saints currently reside at the site, performing rituals from Maha Shivaratri to Shri Ram Navami, with upcoming events like Maha Vishuba Sankranti and Shri Hanuman Jayanti also scheduled ahead. Due to the shortage, residents have been forced to use stagnant water from Shyamkund for bathing.

During the recent Khandagiri Mela, water was temporarily supplied by WATCO, but the connection was cut immediately after the event, prompting complaints from visiting saints. Devotees remaining at the Devasabha now have to descend the hill to fetch water.

Resident devotee Baba Bhaktacharan Das highlighted that nearly two months have passed without official action, and complaints have been lodged with the Maa Barabhuja Temple Management Committee and Khandagiri Mela Organizers.

Former corporator and committee member Raghunath Mohanty criticized the administration, saying Khandagiri’s reputation is being tarnished due to official apathy. A delegation is scheduled to meet WATCO officials to resolve the issue.