Following is an excerpt from a report in Statesman.

The state forest department has embarked on a project to renovate a unique Victorian-structured marvel as a part of its eco-tourism package in the internationally acclaimed Bhitarkanika Ramsar wetland site.

The 141-year-old sprawling Hukitola building, which carries the proof of excellent British architectural skill with rainwater harvesting system, has finally drawn the attention of the government agencies after it was neglected for years.

“The gigantic structure on the Mahanadi deltaic region has been taken up for maintenance by the department. We are going to have a forest watch tower there. To promote tourism, we will have boats to carry people from the Paradip port town. The place nestled in the deltaic-shaped elevated landscape is blessed with rich mangrove forests. Its proximity to the shore would make way for tourism,” said the divisional forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division, Mr Ajay Kumar Jena.

The department would start its operation within a week. Keeping in view this fact that Paradip is fast emerging as a bustling industrial hub, tourism would receive the much-needed boost.

“The tranquil environment in and around Hukitola are strikingly similar to that of the Bhitarkanika wetland. Thus a voyage to Hukitola would be a visual treat for the tourists. The British structure will be an added attraction,” Mr Jena said.
While ravages of time has threatened its existence, its conservation is necessary. “It’s a priceless treasure. We had taken up the proposal for its maintenance with the Union finance commission grants earmarked for maintenance of ancient monuments,” Mr Jena said.

The building has a total plinth area of more than 7,000 square feet.