Bhubaneswar: Keen to increase tourist footfall in the state, the government is working on a project to develop eco-tourism destinations in districts endowed with natural wealth.

The project, a joint venture of tourism and forest and environment department, is being executed at 30 places in 22 districts.

While the forest and environment department is developing the required tourist infrastructure at these places, most of which are wildlife sanctuaries and water bodies, tourism department will be responsible for publicity.

Officials of the forest and environment department said infrastructure development work was in an advanced stage at several places, including Mangaljodi on the banks of the famous Chilika lake.

Known as the bird watchers' paradise, Mangaljodi now has a state-of-the-art bird interpretation centre for the benefit of tourists who flock there to watch the winged guests who come from various parts of Asia and Europe.

Steps are also afoot to construct at least a dozen rooms, watchtowers and nature trails in the area that was once notorious for poaching of birds. But sustained efforts of forest officials have not only curbed the menace of poaching to a great extent, but it has also turned some veteran poachers into protector of birds.

Chilika divisional forest officer Bikash Ranjan Das said all possible steps were being taken to ensure peaceful and safe stay of birds in the lake that has the reputation of being one of their largest wintering grounds in the country.

Forest officials have been sensitising people living in the lake area on the issue even as they patrol the lagoon spread over three districts of the state. Avid nature lover, Rajeswar Patra lauded the government's initiative.

Other sites being developed by the government as part of the project include Barakhandia and Dhodrokusum under the Hirakud wildlife division, Kumari and Jamuani under Baripada wildlife division, Deras and Godibari under Chandaka wildlife division and Tarava and Chhotkei under the Satkosia wildlife division.

"Odisha's natural wealth is phenomenal. What we have been lacking is proper infrastructure to attract tourists. This project is most welcome from that point of view," said Patra.