Jajpur: Dharmasala MLA Pranab Kumar Balabantray will make a proposal to the state government to turn Buddhist sites in the areas into tourist hubs.

"These Buddhist treasures should be protected, preserved and explored through tourism," Balabantray said.

There are Buddhist sites at Langudi, Tarapur, Kaima, Bajragiri, Deuli, Neulpur, Bajragiri, Kantigadia and Radha Nagar hillocks in Dharmasala. Buddhist caves, stupas, monasteries, rock-cut elephant and other images are found here.

"The rock-cut caves at Kaima, Deuli, Bajragiri, Neulpur and the Kantigadia hills and rock-cut elephant at Kaima foothills reflect the growth of the pre-monastic movement in the state," he said.

Balabantray said a 108-feet statue of Lord Buddha would be built on the Neulpur hill. Besides, a mini museum at Tarapur, which houses artefacts, will be another attraction. "I will make a proposal to the government to promote Buddhist sites in Dharmasala to make it a tourist hub, as it has great scope to attract Buddhist tourists from the country and beyond," Balabantray said.