Jajpur: Amid ongoing controversy over a mysterious bungalow located on the premises of the Kusuma pond in Jajpur, the district collector cleared the air on various claims and allegations over Kusuma cottages.

The Kusuma cottages were illegal construction, clarified Jajpur Collector Nikhil Pavan Kalyan today.

Speaking to reporters, he said, "The cottages have been built over municipality land under CSR funds. It should have been handed to district administration after completion, but there has been a delay. We will take over the building and look after the management. An SOP will be prepared to ensure the public avail facility there."

Dismissing the claims made by Jajpur municipality, the district head said that action should be taken against the civic body for spreading lies about the construction of the bungalow.

Yesterday, the local administration claimed that the luxury cottages near Kusuma pond belong to the Sports Department.

"Nine cottages on premises of children's park near Kusuma pond belong to Sports Department. Those were constructed at an estimated Rs 8 crore from CSR fund by some companies," said Santosh Mallick, vice-chairman of Jajpur Municipality, at a presser on Friday.

However, the Sports Department clarified that the buildings on premises of the Kusuma pond have not been funded by the department nor the department has any information about the project.

The Jajpur Municipality briefed the media after BJD's Organisational Secretary and former Jajpur MLA Pranab Prakash Das was dragged into the controversy.

There are allegations surfaced in media that the BJD leader Pranab Prakash Das was involved in 'illegal' project near Kusuma pond. However, the purpose behind the project is yet unclear.

The structures came under scanner after locals raised questions over construction of luxury cottages along the Kusuma pond and children's park maintained by the municipality. They alleged rich and influential people visiting the cottages were indulged in 'unethical' activities.