The Budharaja temple in Sambalpur. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, March 21: The state government has sanctioned funds for the infrastructure development of two tourist spots — Budharaja hill and Ghanteswari temple.

While the Budharaja hill is located in the heart of the town, the Ghanteswari temple is about 25 kilometres away.

Divisional forest officer Santosh Banchhor said: “The funds have been sanctioned by the state tourism department.

However, the forest department will execute the work as both the places fall in its jurisdiction. The district administration has disbursed the funds to the forest department.”

“The funds have been granted to develop public utilities at these two tourist spots. However, we will discuss the makeover issues with the development committees concerned before starting the development work,” said Banchhor.

About Rs 28 lakh has been sanctioned for the development of Ghanteswari temple, while Rs 10 lakh has been earmarked for makeover of Budharaja hill.

Sambalpur residents have expressed happiness over the sanction of funds.

“The Budharaja temple, located on Budharaja hill, is a major tourist attraction. Thousands of tourists visit this place every year,” said Purusottam Thela, a resident.

Ghanashyam Kar, managing trustee of the Ghanteswari temple, said: “For the first time, the tourism department has granted funds for the makeover of this ancient temple.”