Motoring to Dalma top has become smooth and less risky.

The stretch snaking to the hill top from the main entrance at Makulakocha has been mended keeping in view safety aspects of tourists who flock to the sanctuary throughout the year.

Four portions of the 14km road, which were damaged during monsoon and recent rains, have undergone repair. Some portions had developed craters that made driving extremely difficult and risky.

Plain cement concrete (PCC) has been laid to repair the road by engaging villagers.

The road repair was stopped midway in the wake of the coronavirus-induced lockdown last month. However, work resumed after relaxations provided by the Union home ministry.

At least two damaged stretches measuring between 300m to 500m run along the bends, making negotiating the stretch very risky.

Dalma range officer (west) Dinesh Chandra said all the four damaged portions had been repaired. “It will now be a smooth ride to the top,” he added.

Tourists, who had booked accommodations when the sanctuary was closed owing to the novel coronavirus scare in March, are expected to visit once the elephant abode reopens.

“The rush at the sanctuary will increase since it is the peak season now. Elephants are back after their annual sojourn to the jungles of West Midnapore and Bankura in Bengal. Besides flora and fauna, elephants are the main attraction for tourists and we want them to enjoy their time here after taking safety measures,” a forester said.

With revenue earnings hitting a low after the lockdown, Dalma authorities are keeping their fingers crossed over reopening the sanctuary. “The sanctuary will open once the government allows it to,” the forester said.

Tourists from Jharkhand, Bengal, Odisha and Chhatisgarh visit Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, 30km from Jamshedpur, to enjoy the flora and fauna.

Some also make it a point to visit the Shiva temple situated 4km from the Pinderbera forest guest house.