Sambalpur, Sept. 29: The tourism department has sanctioned Rs 20 lakh to renovate the leaning temple of Huma, located around 23km from here.

The temple, which is in the Maneswar block, is the oldest Shiv temple in the region and one of the major tourist attractions in the district. The leaning structure of the temple attracts thousands of visitors.

Apart from the structure, the Kudo fish at the Machhindra ghat located adjoining the temple, too, draw a lot of visitors. The fish here eat from the hands of visitors.

District tourist officer Rabindra Kumar Dalei said: "The funds have been released to the district administration. The local gram panchayat, which will carry out the renovation, will decide how to use it."

Maneswar block development officer Pankaj Pradhan said: "Renovation is going on the temple premises. A shed for sitting and a shoe stand are being added to the complex. We plan to have a kitchen, a dinning room and a store room."

"The Huma temple is one of the seven identified tourist destinations in the district. The leaning structure of the temple amazes the visitors. I am really happy that the authorities here are taking steps for its development. Thousands of devotees visit the temple and take prasad. A kitchen is of utmost importance. The devotees will benefit after it is developed," said Debendra Kar, a tourist.