Bhubaneswar: With Maoist presence now nil in Nuapada district, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary authorities said they are exploring the possibility of night-stay cottages outside the sanctuary boundary like any other sanctuaries to attract tourists.For development of tourism, Sunabeda officials on Friday visited Similipal Tiger Reserve for exposure and to learn about the ecotourism model involving the community.The sanctuary authorities are now working on beautifying waterfalls, which are sprawling and surrounded by forests. Visitor viewpoints, rest sheds, common dining, parking and kiosks for tea-coffee shops are being created there.“Sunabeda is not a big sanctuary, and having ecotourism inside means we will have it in the core area, which is prohibited. So, for sanctuary-friendly ecotourism that will in turn help provide livelihood support to local tribal families, we are exploring the facility very close to the sanctuary. There is a place called Cherechua, where we may proceed with the tourism facility. Gradually, we will map visitor footfall and add more facilities,” said DFO (Sunabeda) Samir Sahu.Though Nuapada was declared Maoist-free, neighbouring Chhattisgarh, bordering the sanctuary, still reports Maoist presence, due to which night facilities have not been allowed at present. But now, towards the entry gate of the sanctuary, there is no Maoist threat, and it is there that authorities plan the facility.There are waterfalls inside the sanctuary, which have perennial natural water sources and are each more than 100 ft high. There are tourist routes, though rocky and potholed, as the forest field staff use them besides security personnel. “We are also planning to construct new roads, which are visitor-friendly and hospitable,” Sahu added.He added that visitor footfall at the waterfalls will significantly increase after facilities come up.“After we create more meadows, prey density will increase manifold in the sanctuary, with carnivores, especially leopards, thriving. Then we will introduce safari facilities,” the DFO said.
