Ecotourism park comes up at Debjharan

Sambalpur: An ecotourism park has been developed at Debjharan, which is a major tourist draw of Sambalpur district and famous for its cascading waterfall, nestled in the lap of nature. The minor irrigation (MI) wing developed the park, which was dedicated for the public on Tuesday. Rairakhol MLA and deputy government chief whip Rohit Pujari inaugurated the park.
Sub-divisional officer (SDO) of minor irrigation wing, Kishore Panda, said the park has been developed on 3.5 acres. The land belongs to the wing. Around Rs 64.39 lakh has been spent to develop the park. Under this project, the barricading work surrounding the land has been carried out apart from landscaping, he said. Ornamental trees have been planted in the park. Moreover, a pathway has been developed besides solar high-mast lights have been installed in the garden. This apart, two toilets have been developed and drinking water facilities made available for the visitors. He also said some more beautification work would be carried out besides sitting arrangements would be developed at the park in the next phase.
The park will be an added attraction for the people who come here for picnicking during winter, said an official of the minor irrigation wing.
The site, Debjharan, is close to Jujumura, which in the past witnessed Maoist activities. However, the area is free of Maoist activities at present, said an officer. The place currently sees a footfall of more than 30,000 annually. A large number of people visit the place between November and January.
The park is expected to attract more visitors to the scenic place. The forest department is also carrying out the work to develop Debjharan into an ecotourism site. The department has planned to carry out many beautification and development works including construction of a floating jetty, three toilets, nature trail, watchtower, concrete platform for the picnickers and pathway to reach to the waterfall. This apart, boating facility has also been proposed to be developed.