The Odisha tourism department has set its eyes on developing Chandaka wildlife sanctuary into an eco-tourism spot. Given its flora and fauna, water bodies and the presence of wild animals, the scope for developing the sanctuary into an eco-tourism destination can be explored, sources said.
The tourism department, which embarked upon a project to tap the tourism potential in the Chandakaforest in 2011, is hopeful that the fringe area (periphery of the core area of the sanctuary, where animals roam freely), can be used for eco-tourism purpose.
"A high-level team, comprising officials from forest and tourism departments would visit the sanctuary on August 1 to study the feasibility for developing the place as an eco-tourism hub. The team will submit its report to the government after which further decision will be taken to develop the area," said Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) general manager MR Patnaik.
He said that OTDC opened a two-storey tourism complex near Godibari and created some facilities for tourists. "Presently, we have an information centre, a centre for audio-visual and souvenir show, children's park, rope climbing, trekking trail and a recreation zone. About 50 groups of tourists have visited the area in the last two years," said Patnaik.
The tourism and forest departments will explore whether an eco-cottage and more nature trail facilities can be created here, apart from providing boating and sight-seeing facilities, which are already there.
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