Jogiya Sangam of Sonbhadra – where security and modern communication meet in the lap of nature.

Ajit Singh/Rajesh Tiwari (Bureau Report)

Sonbhadra/Uttar Pradesh-

Sonbhadra district, situated amidst the Vindhya ranges, is famous for its natural wealth. In this context, Jogiya Baba Picnic Spot located in Kota Gram Panchayat is emerging as an untouched gem, which meets the modern standards of tourism – beauty, safety and communication. Local villagers and environment lovers have now intensified the campaign to get this confluence of picturesque hills and holy rivers included on the government tourism map. At the Jogiya Baba site, India’s ancient Son River and pollution-free Kanhar River meet.

Local people worship it as ‘Sangam’. The glorious mention of Son river is also found in Ramcharitmanas. The temple of Jogiya Baba situated here has been the center of people’s faith since ancient times. The biggest feature of Kanhar River is its clean water, because no industrial city is established on its banks. Since the depth of the river is only up to the knees, even people and children who do not know swimming can enjoy water sports fearlessly.

It is often seen that natural picnic spots are cut off from mobile networks, making it difficult to get help in case of emergency. According to local residents, compared to picnic spots like Abadi, all major telecom towers are available at Jogiya Baba site, allowing tourists to instantly share their experiences on social media and stay connected with loved ones. It is the result of recognition and local unity that till date no untoward incident like looting or teasing has happened here. The villagers unite and take care of the safety of the tourists.

Environmental activist Nirbhay Choudhary and former head Awadhesh Kumar Rai have expressed their support for the development of this site. Hundreds of tourists are reaching Jogiya picnic spot even on normal days. If the government gives it official status, it will not only promote tourism but will also open the doors of self-employment for the local youth. Nirbhay Choudhary, environmental activist, has been demanded from the District Magistrate to visit Kota Gram Sabha and assess the potential of this site. Former head Awadhesh Kumar Rai has assured full cooperation in the expansion of roads and other facilities through Gram Panchayat.

By being declared a tourist destination, the local market will develop here, which will strengthen the economic condition of the villagers. Sonbhadra, which the country’s first Prime Minister Nehru called the Switzerland of India, actually makes its identity from such places. Jogiya Baba Picnic Spot has the potential to make its place among the major tourist centers of Uttar Pradesh. Now the ball is in the court of the administration as to when it will beautify this natural heritage.