Hazaribagh, Aug. 11: The Hazaribagh wildlife sanctuary spread over 186.25sqkm along the national highway, 20km from the district headquarters and 120km from Ranchi, is finally ready for new inmates.

The forest department now plans to bring deer and chittal in large numbers to this sanctuary and improve the conditions of the lush forest area to attract more and more tourists. From providing accommodation facilities to bettering roads, the department has been working on making this spot more attractive.

In a survey in 2008, the forest department confirmed that only a few animals were left over at this sanctuary. These included 45 chittals, four sambhars, 128 monkeys, seven bears, 50 peacocks, a tusker and 87 oxen. Mishra admitted many of the animals died over the years, resulting in gradual decrease in numbers of tourists.

Mishra said his department was in touch with other sanctuaries of the country to bring animals here soon. The department had made all the arrangements to look after these new guests and familiarise them with the place before releasing them in the sanctuary.

Mishra said they had brought 70 sambhars earlier and kept them in a specially designed space with fencing all around, a few months ago. “Later, we started releasing them in different groups after everybody had adjusted in the sanctuary,” he said, adding that without the co-operation of villagers, it would not have been possible to save these animals. Villagers would also be benefited if tourists start visiting this place once again.