Bhubaneswar, Sept. 14: Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated on the city outskirts, has chalked out new plans to welcome wildlife enthusiasts. By November 1, the adventure sports near its Godibari entrance will also be ready.

The sanctuary, the only one of its kind between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, works as the green lungs of the urban area. Visitors to the sanctuary can have picnics, stay in bamboo cottages, log houses or the guesthouse near Godibari gate, and go inside the sanctuary to explore its the flora and fauna.

“We are to ready to start the adventure sports after three years. It was getting delayed because of the absence of safety and supervision over the activities such as rock-climbing and net-climbing. Recently, we got an agency that will manage these sections on our behalf,” said divisional forest officer Manoj Kumar Mohapatra.

Second, for participation in the entire eco-education and awareness, schools and educational institutions are to be involved. For this, two nature trails will be developed near the Godibari entrance.

The visitors can also look at the medicinal and herbal garden, purchase souvenirs from the shop and opt to stay in the guest rooms.

Deras and Jhumka will attract more crowds, as the former will be connected to Jhalara, another place inside the sanctuary, within 1.5km.

“The new nature trail will have cycling facility for enthusiastic visitors. However, we want to be specific with the morning or evening hour trips to ensure animal sightings,” said Mohapatra.

“I have been to Chandaka several times, but as the Godibari facility still does not have the adventure sports facility, I have not visited the site lately. I am happy to know that it will start again,” said nature lover Sibadutta Kar.

Staying inside or near the Godibari gate can cost from Rs 600 to Rs 2,000.

However, staying in the bamboo house or log house near Deras is a must.

There are some 20 small and large water bodies inside the sanctuary where the authorities are planning to set up facilities for tourists to see animals. However, admission to these sites will be highly restrictive because of the sensitive ecosystems of those areas.

“All the tourist-related activities will be charged, as the money generated will go directly to the local people who run the activities through the eco-development committees (EDC). The EDCs will also employ local youth as guides so the visitors can experience the forest from close quarters,” said Mohapatra.

Chandaka is all set to emerge as a major eco-tourism destination, as both the state and the central government are open to ideas for large-scale development.

“The state tourism department should also take measures to popularise Chandaka and local tour operators should include it in their packages,” said Sujata Rath, a resident of the old Bhubaneswar.