Tourists can look forward to a smooth ride to the sprawling Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary this winter.

The state forest department has started repairing damaged portions of the 17-km road from the main entry point at Makulakocha to the top of the hill.

Repairs are currently underway at three locations that had been damaged due to monsoon. PCC (plain cement concrete) is being laid at the damaged portions of the stretch near Shiva temple at the top, Chimti village and Bhadodih.

Dalma range officer R.P. Singh said the dilapidated sections would be repaired in a fortnight. “We embarked on this project in view of the peak tourist season. Winter always attracts impressive number of tourists from across the state, Bengal and Odisha. Visitors can expect a hassle-free ride to the top,” he added.

According to him, motorists face a lot of inconvenience while travelling on this route. “The damaged portions pose danger to motorists, especially while returning from the sanctuary. We want to avert mishaps which could prove fatal. Repair of roads was important keeping in mind the safety of tourists,” Singh added.

Visitors flock to the 192sqkm sanctuary, 30km from here, especially during winter to stay and enjoy a panoramic view of the flora and fauna from a point near the Shiva temple.

Bookings are currently open for

Pinderbera forest guesthouse, a

favourite weekend destination atop Dalma hills and the four air-conditioned cottages and three non-AC rooms

near Makulakocha village.

The Makulakocha cottage was built under an eco-tourism project as per which tourism facilities are created in relatively undisturbed areas to ensure little impact on the surroundings. It is also meant to involve the local community and spread the word about conservation.

Winter footfall at the scenic sanctuary is around 5,000, an official at Dalma range office in Mango here said. He added that water woes at Pinderbera forest guesthouse and power supply at Makulakocha cottage had been resolved.

According to figures available at the Dalma range office, the total footfall jumped to 37,680 in 2017-18 from 34,585

a year ago, an rise of 3,095. Revenue rose to Rs 12,74,631 in 2017-18 from Rs 10,09,327 in the previous fiscal, an increase of

Rs 2,65,304.