Sambalpur: The state government has sanctioned Rs 94 lakh to develop the Deojharan waterfall and its surrounding areas as well as the nearby dam in the district as an ecotourism centre.

The waterfall and the small dam, situated about 30km from here, have been a major place of attraction for tourists and picnickers, mostly during winter and summer. The district administration had submitted the project of Rs 1 crore to be spent in phased manner for the development of Deojharan.

Deojharan will be the second ecotourism centre of the district after Gudguda, situated about 120km from here, in tribal-based Kuchinda sub-division.

According to the plan, boating facilities will be provided in the reservoir, for which a jetty will be constructed, A watchtower on the top of the hill and a guest house will also be built. As many as 40 dustbins will be provided for the use of the visitors. Construction of a public toilets and footpath up to the fall area will also come into place in phased manner. Apart from that, 15 kitchens for the use of visitors, a garden and a children's park, will also come up to boost tourism, official sources said.

Since the entire area is situated in a dense forest, the forest department will be entrusted to take up the project.

The dam had been constructed on the downstream of the Deojharan about 10 years ago for irrigation purpose. The Shiv-Durga temple situated nearby in another point of attraction.

The dam is surrounded by three forests. After falling from a height of more than 50 feet, the water flows into the dam below.

"It is a peaceful place with natural surroundings. After its development, more domestic and international tourists will be attracted to this place," a senior official said.