Jajpur MP writes Selja to include Teligada Fort as heritage site

BHUBANESWAR: Jajpur MP Mohan Jena has requested Union Culture Minister Kumari Selja to include Teligada Fort as heritage site. Jena, in his letter dated July 12, 2012, has also requested Selja to handover the site to the Archeological Survey of India for its upkeep and development.

The 16th Century Palace and Fort situated at southern part of the Barunabanta Hills under Darpani Panchayat of Badachana Block in Jajpur District. The local Lok Sabha MP Mohan Jena along with local people had visited the site on this July 17. The Palace, built in over an area of 240 acres is in dilapidated condition. In front of the Fort there exist a Banadurga Temple and a pond constructed by the then king of the fort.

Being situated between to hillocks ‘Tinibhaya Duburi’ and ‘Sunajhara Duburi’, it is a unique picturesque place. A natural stream also flows there, water of which is being utilised for agricultural purposes by the State Government through a minor irrigation project.

Due to lack of proper care, the site has turned out to be a den for antisocial elements. Valuable assets including magnificently carved stones are being illegally stolen for last 15 to 20 years. This has been brought to the notice of the Collector of Jajpur District by Jena. The MP has demanded with the State Government to take up the matter with the Union Government to declare it as a heritage site without further delay.