Inspite of natural beauty, green pastures the fairytale land of erstwhile Anglo-Indians is slowly losing its shine as a tourist spot in the State

The place, which is known for varieties of luscious mangoes, has both cultural and historic importance. The number of Anglo-Indians’ community members who used to live in the town several decades ago has also considerably declined.

The serene hamlet some 70 kms from the State Capital is the most preferred destination for leisure buffs not only from Jharkhand but also from  adjoining States too.

But due to the lack of focus on the part of Government, even basic services for tourists are not being looked after.

“last year we figured out three destinations which include Maluti temple, Patratu and Rajrappa for its revival and development. Next year we have planned to revive the popular tourist destination McCluskieganj.

Since the place has historic importance, we might develop it from rural tourism perspective. Plans are being made to further enhance the place with all basic facilities,” said Tourism Minister Amar Kumar Bauri.

The tourists are either dependent on local residents for guidance or private lodge owners for staying. Even the local residents are afraid that due to negligence and concerned authorities’ apathy, the place might lose its significance.

“It is very difficult to say whether the tourists have increased or not but  since 2013 there has been a decline in the tourists’ number.

The teeming crowd of visitors can be witnessed during the winter season but the scenario is completely different now.

There is lack of proper infrastructure and the tourist information centre, which was constructed three years back, has yet not been inaugurated.

Moreover, there are no Government guest houses for the tourists,” informed a local resident of McCluskieganj, Vinay Gupta.

The Government though has drafted out the plan to develop McCluskieganj in the coming years, but so far no concrete steps have been taken towards it.

“We are working on the plan. As far as inauguration of tourists information centre is concerned, the tender was out for the purpose but unfortunately no party turned out.

Finally, now it has been decided to hand over the information centre to any private body or registered NGO. The corporation is trying to start the information centre next year in April,” said MD of Jharkhand Tourism Corporation Centre Sunil Kumar.