Sambalpur, Feb. 10: Fitness enthusiasts will shortly have a walking track around the Budharaja Reserve Forest situated in the heart of the city.

The Odisha Environmental Management Fund (OEMF) has sanctioned Rs 3 crore for the purpose.

"The technical committee has approved the proposal. The work is likely to begin within a week," said divisional forest officer Santosh Joshi.

A 2km track will be constructed around the reserve forest. A protective wall surrounding the forest will also be built as part of the project. Earlier, a presentation had been made before the OEMF on a walking track here.

Spread over 63 hectares, the Budharaja Reserve Forest is a major tourist attraction of the city. The Budharaja temple located on the hill in the forest draws thousands of tourists and devotees from across the state. There is a motorable road to the hilltop, from where one can get a bird's eye view of the city.

The walking track will be an added interest both to visitors and local people.

The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation has also planned to give the hilltop a facelift. The civic body has also decided to move the forest department for alienation of 0.99 hectares at the hilltop for development work. The corporation has planned to develop a watchtower, community centre, parking space, musical fountain, sitting arrangement, kiosks and several other tourist amenities at the hilltop.

"Hundreds of tourists and local residents regularly visit the Budharaja hilltop. The forest will become a great destination to hang out once the walking track is built and the proposals of the municipal corporation materialise," said Geeta Mohapata, a frequent visitor to the place.

"Lifestyle diseases are becoming more common every day, and doctors are advising walking to many people. Consequently, the walking track will benefit a large number of health-conscious people," said Swadhin Panda, who stays nearby.