The State Tourism and Culture department has allotted Rs 2.8 crore for development of three tourist spots in Keonjhar district.This fund will be spent to upgrade amenities in Sanghagara waterfall, Keonjhar and Gundichaghagi fall near Ghatgaon.
A public convenience centre and a tourist reception centre will be built at Ghatgaon; while pathway, landscaping and parking lot will be developed at Gundichaghagi.
The Tourism Department had placed a budget of Rs 1,59,10,000 with the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) for developing infrastructure at Sanghagara two years ago. Finally, the OTDC has okayed the tender for the work and funds will be utilised within four months.
The development works at Sanghagara include erection of main gate, waterway, parking, landscaping, footbridge, jetty and stone benches.
Earlier, the then District Collector Balwant Singh had allotted over Rs 33 lakh for Sanghagara from the periphery development fund, with which steel fencing, kitchen, public toilet and rest shed facilities are being developed at the site.
Now with the sanction of additional Rs 1.59 crore more amenities will be provided to the tourists visiting Sanghagara. The Sangharara Development Committee has been generating revenue to the tune of Rs 12 lakh per annum to meet the maintenance and beautification expenses here.
“Increase in the flow of tourists will enhance revenue generation with which more amenities like guest house, fun park and gardens can be developed,” the committee chairman Pratap kumar Hota said.