Odisha Government Dispatches Team to Verify Kanhakund Rock Formation for Tourism Development

The Odisha government has dispatched a team to Kanhakund, a natural rock formation on the Ib River in Sundergarh district, for location verification. This action follows industrialist Anand Mahindra's notification about the site. Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who oversees the Tourism department, expressed plans to transform Kanhakund into a global tourist attraction.

Focus on Developing Kanhakund

Kanhakund is situated about 130 km from Sambalpur and Rourkela. Parida acknowledged Anand Mahindra's role in highlighting the site, stating that sometimes such places are overlooked by the state. She assured that efforts would be made to develop the area and consult Mahindra in making it a global tourist destination.

Anand Mahindra, chairperson of Mahindra and Mahindra, recently brought attention to this unique location through a re-post by nature enthusiast Aaraynsh. He shared three pictures of Kanhakund and commented on its uniqueness. On February 27, Mahindra posted on X: "No need to compare it to the Grand Canyon. This is unique in its own way."

Engagement with Anand Mahindra

Responding to Mahindra's offer to help make Kanhakund a national and global destination, Parida expressed gratitude for his suggestions. She mentioned plans to write to him for further assistance and visionary ideas. The government appreciates his input and intends to incorporate his suggestions into their development plans.

A Delhi-based traveller, Aarayansh, had shared images of Kanhakund on X, highlighting its clear blue waters and granite beds. He questioned why such offbeat locations were not included in India's tourism map. This post caught Mahindra's attention, prompting his engagement with Odisha Tourism.

Odisha Tourism responded on X by stating: "We’re working on enhancing infrastructure, creating sustainable tourism experiences, and promoting such unique destinations on national and international platforms." This indicates their commitment to improving tourism facilities at Kanhakund.

The initiative to develop Kanhakund as a tourist spot reflects Odisha's dedication to promoting lesser-known destinations. By collaborating with influential figures like Anand Mahindra, the state aims to boost tourism and showcase its natural beauty on a larger scale.