Nageswar dam, the proposed site for eco-tourism, at Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary near Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, March 10: The state forest department’s eco-tourism plan around the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary is expected to give a boost to tourist footfall in the area.

Last month, the department had sought an action plan for development of eco-tourism in the sanctuary along with Debrigarh, Satakosia, Chilika and Bhitarkanika. The department has asked the divisional forest officer of Chandaka to submit the action plan by March 15.

Sources in the Chandaka forest office said that though facilities for development of eco-tourism had already been installed in Chandaka forest range, these would now be extended to Dampara range.

According to the new action plan, a highland of 50 acres in Dampara range will be developed into a picnic spot. The forest officials have also proposed to install a watchtower, a restroom and tube wells near Nageswar dam, a major attraction in Dampara.

“A nature’s trail will be set up in the proposed site to attract tourists. Ornamental chairs, landscaping and shelters with sheds will also be developed. We will shortly submit the action plan to the state government for approval,” said divisional forest officer of Chandaka S.N. Mohapatra.

The new action plan includes additional developments, including installation of ornamental chairs near Dampara, Deras and Jhumka. The forest officials have also proposed introduction of cycles and eco-tourism guides for tourists.

“The eco-tourism guide programme will provide employment opportunities to local residents. This will also help tourists explore the forest in a better manner. A temple will be developed near Jhumka. We have also proposed to set up a number of watch towers in the sanctuary. We hope these attract a number of visitors,” said assistant conservator of forests, Chandaka, Sasmita Lenka.

The Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, extending over an area of 193 kilometres, has many places of tourist attraction, including Deras, Jhumka, Godibari and Kumarkhunti. The sanctuary has 32 small hillocks. It is also known for the elephants. The census conducted last year had revealed presence of 24 elephants within the sanctuary limits.

There are 30 species of mammals, 27 species of reptiles and 120 bird species in the sanctuary.

The forest department had earlier set up four watchtowers near Ambilo, Kumarkhunti, Pitagadia and Kochilaberena.

The sanctuary has developed two nature trails, namely Machha Ranka and Sal near Godibari.

The Machha Ranka trail has been exclusively developed to showcase various water-based birds and animals, while the Sal trail showcases the terrestrial habitat.

Sources in the forest department said that the number of tourists visiting the sanctuary has been constant. In 2009-10, more than 18,000 tourists had visited the sanctuary area, while the number of tourist footfall recorded in the next two financial years was around 16,000. As many as 90 tourists visit the sanctuary every day.