Patal Ganga deserves tourism status, demands Nuapara SP President Benudhar Gahir
By Arabinda Kunar
Bhubaneswar, April 2: In a call for inclusive progress, noted social worker and politician Benudhar Gahir has emphasised the urgent need to integrate marginalized communities, including tribals, Dalits, and other backward groups, into the mainstream. Gahir, who serves as the president of the Nuapara district unit of the Samajwadi Party, has been unwavering in his commitment to social justice, economic upliftment, and regional development.
Gahir firmly believes that the government must take proactive measures to create an enabling environment for the youth, equipping them with modern skills to enhance their employability. “Education and skill development are the cornerstones of progress,” he asserted. “Our youth must have access to training that prepares them for the evolving job market, ensuring they do not remain confined to limited opportunities.”
With a deep-rooted passion for grassroots development, Gahir has been tirelessly working to strengthen the Samajwadi Party’s organization in Kalahandi. His outreach focuses primarily on farmers, daily wage laborers, and unemployed youth—groups he believes are often neglected by mainstream political discourse. “My mission is to give a voice to those who struggle daily for dignity and survival,” he said. “We need systemic changes that ensure fair prices for agricultural produce and adequate procurement infrastructure for farmers.”
In his long-standing fight for agrarian rights, Gahir has led multiple agitations to demand better facilities and policies. His 2014 movement in Nuapara, which drew thousands of protestors and garnered the support of Samajwadi Party’s national spokesperson Sunil Sajan, remains a landmark event in the region’s socio-political landscape. “That movement was just the beginning,” Gahir reflected. “The struggle for farmers’ rights continues.”
A vocal advocate for heritage and tourism, Gahir has now turned his attention to Patal Ganga, a pristine yet overlooked natural site in the region. He has demanded that the government recognize Patal Ganga as an official tourism destination, stressing its potential to boost local employment and economic activity. “If our demands are ignored, we will be left with no choice but to launch a district-wide agitation,” he warned.
For Gahir, the fight is not just about policies; it is about a vision of equitable development where every citizen has a fair chance at progress. His unwavering dedication and grassroots activism continue to shape the socio-political landscape of Nuapara and beyond.
