Cyclone Fani, which left at least 41 dead and the power, water supply and telecom infrastructure in Odisha’s coastal districts in complete tatters, has also virtually destroyed the state’s principal tourism hubs of Puri, Konark and Bhubaneswar ~ the Odisha tourism Golden Triangle.

Tourist operators and stakeholders in the tourism sector are bearing a heavy cyclone induced brunt as the tourism hubs continue to wear the look of a war-torn zone even 120 hours after Fani came and went. This time of the year being summer vacation time, it is supposed to be the peak season for tourism. The cyclone has resulted in unimaginable loss to the sector.

Even before it arrived, Fani cast its shadow in the tourism sector in Puri pilgrim town, adjoining Konark and Bhubaneswar, with panicky tourists cutting short their holiday trips and making homeward journey. At Puri, for instance, tourists were asked to vacate hotels on 2 May for their own safety.

The few who opted to stay behind curse themselves for having done so as life continues to be disrupted with no water and electricity. Still worse is that tourists finds it hard to obtain food.

Plastic money has gone out of circulation and cash is scarce. ‘Digital India’ lies shattered with counters refusing to entertain non-cash transactions; they will not accept cards nor are able to provide bills as computers are dead without power and internet.

Hotels have run out of backup power by way of gen sets and at many such places they inform the guests at the booking counter itself that there is no guarantee on air conditioned rooms. It will take at least one month for restoration of normal life in these places.

The pilgrim town will wear a deserted look for the entire stretch of May. The cyclone has dealt a major economic blow on those working in the tourism sector, said Puri-based tourist operators.

Hoteliers at Puri recall how sea water had gushed in, crossing the road which till date is covered in sand. The entire marine drive along Puri- Konark is sand cast till date.

The sea was furious, most of our glass windows remain shattered, carpets and furniture wet, they said, while lamenting that it would take months to restore everything that has been destroyed by Fani.

The influx of tourists is always on the higher side during summer months. People from various parts have a special liking for Puri because of pleasant climate and various tourist attractions.

The tourism-regulated economy has borne the brunt of cyclonic devastation. Still we are hopeful of business picking up next week, observed a few.

Puri has been the worst hit with the government circuit house, Raj Bhawan and several other official buildings damaged beyond recognition. Even the furniture of the circuit house was carried away by the 180 to 200 kmph strong wind.

On 29-30 October 1999, the catastrophic super cyclone had triggered massive devastation in the temple town. Puri had gone without power and drinking water for two days. The tourists were stranded in hotels as Puri remained cut off from the rest of the world for over 48 hours. But Fanihas exceeded the super cyclone of 1999 in terms of destruction and disruption to life as it is already five days and water, power, telecommunication are yet to be restored. Unless focused attention is paid to the revival of the hotel and tourism sector, Odisha would stand to lose a great deal over the next six months.