The Forest Department is planning to move the State Government for declaring Kanheijena reserve forest, situated near Samal barrage, as an eco-tourism spot.
If the proposal gets the Government nod, it would be second eco-tourism spot in this industrial district after Tikarpada in Satkosia wildlife sanctuary.
Talcher Forest Range Officer AK Pradhan has submitted an action plan of Rs five crore to Angul DFO in this regard. The step has been taken after an environmentalist Bouri Bandhu Bez took up the matter with forest and administrative authorities.
In his report to the DFO, Pradhan mentioned that Kanheijena reserve forest is situated on the bank of river Brahamani, five km from NTPC-Kaniha, 17 km from Talcher and 10 to 20 km from colliery township and mining areas.
“The Samal barrage reservoir township is situated on the foothill of Kanheijena reserve forest. The Bulajhar hill range and Anantapur reserve forest are 5 km from it. The image of Kanheijena reserve forest reflects in the reservoir of Brahmani at Samal barrage during evening which is an enjoyable experience for tourists,” he wrote.
Another attraction of the area is the Chakrasila temple of Lord Shiva and Hanuman inside Kanheijena. It is also the main part of the elephant corridor between Rabipur and Bulajhar reserve forests.
Angul DFO Jagmohan Mishra said he found the proposal ‘practical’ and the area deserved eco-tourism site status. “After verification, we would send the report to the Government,” he said.