Jamshedpur, June 13: Four designer cottages, awaiting inauguration for the last four months on the foothills of picturesque Dalma wildlife sanctuary, could be thrown open to tourists soon with the state forest department putting in a request to chief minister Raghubar Das to do the honours next week.

The cottages, near Makulakocha village in the foothills of picturesque Dalma wildlife sanctuary, are ready for use.

"I think the cottages will be inaugurated next week. Things are ready and I don't think there will be any further delay in throwing open the gates of the cottages," said Kamlesh Pandey, divisional forest officer of Ranchi (wildlife division).

Dalma range officer Mangal Kachhap said they were keen to see the cottages inaugurated and did not want any further delay in making the facility functional. "The 18-odd village youths, who were sent to Ranchi for training on housekeeping and catering, are back. They are waiting to work," he added.

Each of the four hut-like cottages is a separate set-up with two double beds, a small cupboard and study table among other furniture. There are separate toilets too. A small veranda adjoins each of the huts, where one can relax over a cup of coffee, read books or simply bask in the glory of nature.

Besides, a well-furnished kitchen will also start functioning. Manicured gardens and a cafeteria is an added attraction to the facility. A deer park opposite the new facility is yet another attraction.

Spread over an acre, the compound also houses staff quarters.

The Rs 52-lakh project has been executed by the state forest department and with funds from compensatory afforestation fund management and planning authority (CAMPA).