Ganjam wetland at Tampara to be made ecotourism centre soon

BERHAMPUR: Tampara, a wetland near Chhatrapur in Ganjam district, will get a facelift soon, following the state government's decision to develop the mini-lake into a major ecotourism centre. The wetland will be developed under the ongoing Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project, (ICZMP) funded by the World Bank. The project authorities have already sanctioned Rs 6.90 crore to the state owned Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) for the purpose, official sources said. District collector Krishan Kumar recently discussed the project with concerned officers. Presently, the 5.8 km-long and 670-meter wide wetland is used for water-sports and boating. At least four fiber boats and two scooter boats are stationed in the site for the purpose, said district tourist officer Surendra Lima. Facilities like parking, public conveniences, eco-parks, jetties, tents and cottages will be developed as part of the project. Besides, floating restaurants and cottages will also be set up, sources said. The Tampara lake, designated as a tourist spot by the state government in 2008, attracted 27,425 tourists last year as against 26,755 in 2009 and 26,230 in 2008, official sources said.

Source: Times of India