ANGUL: The Satkosia Tiger Reserve is set to become a tourist attraction after the Centre sanctioned about Rs 100 crore for its development.
A detailed project report (DPR) has already been prepared for the purpose and works are expected to begin soon at six locations within the reserve, a senior forest official said. The proposed eco-tourism sites include Jagannathpur, Purunakote, Tikarpara and Baliput under Satkosia wildlife division, and Chhamundia and Kusanga under the Mahanadi wildlife division.
The project aims to develop an eco-tourism hub using eco-friendly materials and adhering to all existing guidelines for sanctuaries and tiger reserves. Work will be carried out at all identified sites except Tikarpara, focusing to making it attractive and capable of accommodating a growing number of tourists.
As per the DPR, the plan includes construction of grand entrance gates, fabricated cottages and other visitor facilities. At Tikarpara, existing infrastructure will be upgraded. Several mud houses will also be built on the Mahanadi side under the project, the official said.
With the DPR approved by the state government, work is likely to start soon. The funds have been sanctioned under the Centre’s ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment’ scheme. The state had reportedly submitted a proposal to the Centre in November last year.
Environmentalist Prasanna Behera said that the funds must be utilised in line with National Tiger Conservation Authority eco-tourism guidelines.