Cuttack, May 11: The Taladanda boating and food court complex near Jobra in Cuttack, once a thriving spot for tourists and water sports lovers, has fallen into disrepair. Boating facilities remain unused, and the food court is largely non-functional, resulting in a sharp drop in visitors and financial setbacks for nearby businesses.

The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) had launched the project with much fanfare in 2023, investing over ₹7 crore, aiming to transform the area into a hub for boating, dining, and leisure activities. The complex was designed with open-air food courts, selfie zones, dining spaces, and a canal for boating, including facilities resembling the Kashmiri Shikara boats.

Initially, the project attracted visitors from across Odisha who enjoyed boating and recreational activities. Plans were even made to introduce Gondola-style boating similar to Italy. However, irregular water levels in the Taladanda canal, coupled with the absence of proper gates to retain water, have rendered boating impossible for most of the year. As a result, many boats deteriorated while sitting idle at the jetty.

With boating inactive, other recreational arrangements have also suffered. Only three small food stalls run by women self-help groups continue operations, while the main food court remains non-functional. There are no provisions for children’s play areas, and tourist numbers have dwindled sharply.

OTDC officials, including Arun Kumar Jena, acknowledged that the main issue preventing boating and effective operations is the lack of water in the Taladanda canal. Until this is resolved, the facility is unlikely to fulfill its original promise of a vibrant tourist and entertainment spot in Cuttack.