Bhubaneswar, Aug. 20: To boost ecotourism, the state government is set to make its wildlife sanctuaries and water bodies attractive for tourists.

Official sources said a project to develop 30 such spots was already under way in 22 districts of the state. While the forest and environment department is developing tourist infrastructure at these places, the tourism department is looking after the publicity aspect.

"The project will boost ecotourism in particular and tourism in general. We have some very scenic places in the state, which need to be made more attractive for tourists. We must realise our tourism potential to the full," said former principal chief conservator of forests S.S. Srivastava, who has been closely involved with the project.

Sources in the forest department said the government planned to construct at least a dozen rooms, watchtowers and nature trails at Mangalajodi for bird watchers.

Other sites to be developed are Barakhandia and Dhodrokusum in Hirakud wildlife division, Kumari and Jamuani in Baripada wildlife division, Deras and Godibari in Chandaka wildlife division as well as Tarava and Chhotkei in Satkosia. Tourist facilities would also be developed at places such as Daringbadi.

Dangmal, the famous breeding centre for saltwater crocodiles, would also get a makeover with tourist cottages and improved boating facilities being planned. "It's a good plan which, if executed properly, is bound to give tourism a boost," said Shashikant Mishra, an avid nature watcher.

The authorities would procure around 10 buses to take tourists around the Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary. The wildlife habitat has a number of tourist attractions, including Deras, Jhumka, Godibari and Kumarkhunti, apart from 32 small hillocks. While the sanctuary's biodiversity, including 30 species of mammals, 27 species of reptiles and 120 bird species, is a huge attraction, it boasts of 23 natural water bodies, including the Deras and Jhumka reservoirs. The sanctuary attracts more than 15,000 tourists every year.