The wildlife conservation centre on the Brooks hill in Sambalpur. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, Aug. 21: The proposal to develop tourist spots in the district is yet to take off.

The tourism department had submitted a proposal to the state government to develop the tourist spots in the district on January 17, 2012.

The proposals included ropeway from the Budharaja hill to the Brooks hill, apart from development of gardens, picnic facilities, parking lots and kiosks along the right dyke road of the Hirakud dam. Besides, beautification of the three islands along the right dyke and the motor launch facility at Zero Point on the dyke for visiting the Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary through waterway also appear on the list.

“There are so many beautiful places in Sambalpur. If the places are showcased properly, the spots will attract more tourists. The implementation of the proposal will give those places a new look,” said Sarat Banji, a local resident.

Another local resident Santisnigdha Mohanty said: “All the places, which have been included in the mega destination development proposal, are very beautiful. If the spots are developed, more number of tourists will come here and it will give a boost to the business of the city also.”

“The Budharaja and the Brooks hills are located in the city. Hundred of tourists visit the Budharaja hill and the temple on it. The Brooks hills house a wildlife conservation centre. A ropeway will be an additional attraction,” she said.

“All the tourist spots of have immense potential. These places lack basic tourist amenities,” said Praksh Dang, a student of Gangadhar Meher College of Sambalpur.

District tourist officer of Sambalpur Rabindra Dalei said: “We have already submitted the draft proposal to the government. The government will take a decision in this regard.”