Jajpur: The state tourism department will develop tourist spots in the district.

The department has decided to provide the necessary infrastructure in this regard. Tourism secretary Mona Sharma said this during a visit to the district on Friday.

Sharma carried out an inspection of the Neulpur hilltop, where an 108-feet statue of Lord Buddha is being erected by the state tourism department to attract visitors. She also visited the Buddhist caves located in Neulpur hill and inspected its conservation works. "Jajpur has a number of heritage and Buddhist sites, which can be developed with better infrastructure facilities. This will certainly increase the inflow of domestic and foreign tourists in the district," said Sharma. "We are developing a comprehensive package to promote tourism in Jajpur district, the ancient capital of the state," she said.

As part of the initiative, a 108-feet statue of Lord Buddha will shortly come up on the Neulpur hilltop under Dharmasala Assembly segment in the district. Besides, the Kusuma pokhari (tank), one of the largest water bodies in the district headquarters town, is being revamped and restored with Rs 16 crore. The tank is spread over 27 acres.

"The placement of the Buddha statue on the Neulpur hilltop will help to promote the district as a major Buddhist destination," she said, adding that the boating facilities in the Kusuma pokhari decorated with lighting arrangements was also expected to draw tourists to Jajpur.

Sharma said Jajpur was well known for its Buddhist sites such as Lalitgiri, Udayagiri, Ratnagiri, Deuli, Bajragiri, Neulpur, Kaima and Radha Nagar. Moreover, the state government will take up projects to develop some heritage sites in the district.

A host of steps are also being taken to give a facelift to the heritage sites.

The tourism secretary also paid visit to the Deuli hill and checked the tourist amenities available there.