Koraput: The Jeypore forest division has prepared a master plan to develop the Mathpada forest in Boipariguda range into an ecotourism destination involving various communities, tour operators and stakeholders.

Around 50 hectares of Mathpada forest will be converted into an ecotourism spot. The forest is a transit point between Boipariguda and the famous cave shrine of Lord Shiv at Gupteswar - one of the state's major tourist attractions.

The forest department plans to construct tribal cottages, water bodies with boating, a 23-km-long cycle track from Mathpada to Gupteswar amidst thick forest, trekking paths, tree houses and watchtowers at the proposed ecotourism spot for those, who want to spend some quality time in the lap of nature.

"While providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the nature of the region and giving them a glimpse of tribal culture, the project aims to strengthen the tribal economy as well," said Boipariguda forest range officer Uma Mahesh.

"The detailed project has been submitted to higher authorities for approval. Once the project gets green signal, we will begin work," he said.

Villagers belonging to various vana surakhya samitis (forest protection groups) will be trained and engaged to manage the project, said the officer.

The villagers are also upbeat over the prospect of the project, which, they believe, can give them alternate sources of earning a livelihood.

"The ecotourism spot will offer direct and indirect employment to us. It will boost the tribal economy," said Mathpada resident Damburu Naik.