Guwahati, May 17: An isle of many splendours in the middle of the Brahmaputra, Umananda will soon have an added attraction ? an avian park.

The island, which has a centuries-old Shiva temple, is home to a large number of avian species. It also hosts a large number of migratory birds every year.

Officials in the Kamrup metro administration said the avian park would give visitors a chance to watch exotic birds from strategically located watchtowers. ?The park will also adopt better protection methods so that birds do not fall prey to poachers,? an official said.

A senior official of the district administration said the decision to develop an avian park was taken at a meeting with the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) in February.

?The decision could not be implemented immediately because the Assembly elections were announced soon after. The Kamrup metro administration and the GMDA will start work near the temple after a new government is formed,? he said.

Since the proposed park will be part of Dispur?s action plan to promote religious tourism in the city, getting funds for the project will not be a problem, sources said.

The government has allocated nearly Rs 20 crore for promotion of religious tourism, including development and beautification of Kamakhya and its surroundings, Dol Govinda and Sukreshwar.

Apart from the bird park, the surroundings of Umananda temple would be given a facelift under the same project. The scheme entails construction of pathways around the hillock, landscaping and formation of self-help groups to ensure upkeep of the temple.

The self-help groups will also be allowed to set up shops, restaurants and recreation centres in the temple complex.

The administration will rope in the State Inland Water Transport Authority to introduce boat-riding and other facilities for visitors to Umananda.

?We are also trying to create a trekking route at the temple site by involving the archaeology department in the process,? an official disclosed.

Work on a ropeway connecting the temple with the city is scheduled to begin this month. One end of the ropeway will stretch from Nehru Park to Dol Govinda, in North Guwahati. Another end of the ropeway will originate at Dol Govinda and connect it to Nehru Park.

?Umananda temple will be the stopover in the to-and-fro ropeway journey. We expect it to be an exciting addition,? a frequent visitor to the temple said.