Balangir: Chief administrator of Koraput-Balangir-Kalahandi region Sudarshan Pal Singh Thakur visited the Bhim Pahad about 28km from here and decided to promote the place as a potential tourist spot. He said there was need for proper plans and fund allocation to develop the hill, which houses many ancient caves.

Thakur visited the Bhima cave, Shiva cave and Hanuman cave and witnessed the inscriptions on the rocks in the caves and other places. Thakur expressed discontent over some constructions taken up by the forest department in the staircase uphill to the caves.

"Staircase has been constructed to climb the hill, but it is narrow and the steps are very high. People will face a lot of difficulty to climb the staircase," he said.

Chairman of Deogaon block Rina Meher and Deogaon block development officer Shankar Prasad Sahu accompanied him during the visit. Thakur reviewed some development work taken up by the Odisha Tourism Developmnet Corporation.

Bhima Pahad has found a place in the official tourism map of Odisha. The place has been attributed with a special place on the tourism map due to its splendorous natural bounty and beauty, which is encircled by lush green forest. It is also famous for its ancient natural caves. The panoramic view of this area is unparallel which makes a potential tourism spot.