Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is working on a project to develop eco-tourism destinations at 30 places across 22 districts.
The state forest and environment department is developing the required tourist infrastructure at these 30 sites, while the tourism department will take care of the publicity and promotions part.
The work has already reached an advanced stage at a number of places, including at Mangalajodi on the banks of the Chilika lake. Mangalajodi - a bird watchers' paradise - now boasts of a state-of-the-art bird interpretation centre for the benefit of the tourists.
"The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) has set up the interpretation centre," said Chilika divisional forest officer Bikash Ranjan Das.
Steps are also being taken to build at least a dozen rooms, watchtowers and nature trails in the area which was once infamous for bird poaching. However, sustained efforts by forest officials has curbed the menace of poaching to a great extent.
"Poaching has been curbed to a large extent because of our efforts. Apart from our officials patrolling around the lake, we also have members of local bird protection committees at places - such as Mangalajodi, Sorana and Sunderpur - keeping an eye on poachers," said Das.
Das said his department had taken steps to ensure safe stay of birds in the lake. "Forest officials also sensitised the people living around the lake on poaching," he added.
Other sites being developed by the government as part of the project include Barakhandia and Dhodrokusum in Hirakud wildlife division, Kumari and Jamuani in Baripada wildlife division, Deras and Godibari in Chandaka wildlife division and Tarava and Chhotkei in Satkosia wildlife division.
A source in the tourism department said that the government could also try to make places, such as Khandadhar waterfall in Sundergarh, more attractive for tourists by taking up beautification projects and providing quality accommodation to visitors. "This is a good idea and can help the government earn more," said Saroj Mishra, an avid tourist.
