Tampara, a wetland near Chhatrapur, district headquarters town of Ganjam in Odisha, will be developed into a major tourist destination following state government's decision to revive the mini lake.

Departments like tourism, water resources, works and World Bank funded Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) would participate in the development of the 5.8 km-long and 670-metre-wide wetland, situated about four km from the National Highway, official sources said today.

The plan was chalked out at a meeting held recently after Chief Secretary B K Patnaik visited the spot and emphasised on its development as a tourist destination.

The wetland was once a major boating destination for tourists. But the facility was stopped two months ago due to law and order problems in the area. Now, facilities like parking, eco park, jetties, floating restaurants, cottages, tented accommodation and boating are being planned for the lake, which runs up to Rushikulya river near Ganjam town.

"When all these infrastructure facilities will be developed, we think the site will be one of the major tourist spots in the state and will attract more number of tourists.

It will also be an important source of livelihood for people in the area", said district tourist officer K C Nishank.

"We have decided to develop the spot with the involvement of various departments as a major tourism centre to boost tourism industry in the district", said district collector Krishan Kumar.

The tourism department will sanction around Rs 8 crore for the project, sources said.