Sambalpur, March 27: There is good news for morning and evening walkers as the municipality has proposed to build a concrete pathway along the Brook Hill-Deer Park stretch.

The road, which is under the forest department, will be handed over to the works department to carry out the job.

Sambalpur divisional forest officer Santosh Joshi said: "We will organise a ward committee meeting for handing over of the road to the works department shortly. We will also invite local residents to participate in it."

"Apart from constructing the concrete pathway, we have also decided to construct concrete chairs along the stretch for the walkers to take rest," said Joshi.

The 3-km-long Brooks Hill-Deer Park Road is lying in neglect at present. Local residents are hopeful, however, that its condition would also improve drastically after the works department take it over.

Sambalpur resident Binay Mishra said: "People prefer this stretch for walks as few vehicles ply on it. They also come here for a stroll because of the greenery and its peaceful atmosphere. However, a separate arrangement for walkers would attract more people. The department concerned should take measures to materialise the proposal as soon as possible."

"The road leads to the Wild Animal Conservation Centre, also known as Deer Park, which is a popular tourist destination. They will also find a good place to sit along the road and spend time once sitting facilities are installed. It is really a welcome decision," said a visitor to the Deer Park, Manmath Jena.

There is also a proposal to construct a walkway around Budharaja Reserve Forest.