The scenic Dalma wildlife sanctuary has finally reopened after a gap of almost a year. With the spread of pandemic, the hub of tourists had closed its gates. It is now reopened and tourists can now book accommodations.
As the corona cases started spreading, Dalma management ordered tourists to go home after the state government’s orders to close public places. The authorities also have any type of further bookings.
An official said that the gates have been opened but said bookings would be accepted as per Covid protocols in view of the pandemic. "Tourists are happy to know that restrictions have been removed. We have also introduced restrictions on bookings. We would accept few bookings for accommodations. Social distancing is being followed, less number of guests would be allowed inside the cafeteria at Makulakocha. Same criteria will be applicable for accommodations at mud house, also in Makukalocha, and residential quarters near Pinderbera forest guest house," he informed.
He went on to inform that tourists will have to adhere to necessary Covid-related norms like social distancing and use of face masks. " We will also ensure thermal screening of tourists at the entrance itself. Sanitisers would also be available at the entrance as well as accommodations and cafeteria. We do not want to invite any risk so are taking steps to follow the directives with utter seriousness," a Dalma official said.
Dalma sprawls over an area of 193 square kilometres and houses 85 villages inside the enclave and 51 villages in its periphery. Dalma is frequently visited by people of Odisha and Kolkata. In fact a large number of foreigners also visited Dalma last year.