Tthe famous Chandil dam area would now be developed in the lines of Kerala and made a hub of eco-tourism in the region. The site would be taken up under the Centre’s ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme, meant to promote domestic tourism in the country.
The decision in this regard was announced by Chief Minister Raghubar Das when he along with his team of officials visited the dam area located at Saraikela-Kharsawan district on Tuesday.
“The place has great potential as a tourism centre. Consultant IDECK has been given an instruction to submit a report about this within two weeks based on the model adopted by Kerala in developing eco-tourism. Experts should be called in so that no adverse effect on local ecology is caused due to the project,” said the Chief Minister.
The CM also reviewed developmental schemes continuing in the area. “The place would be developed as a tourist spot of international standards. DPR is being prepared by the Department and two years’ time has been given to complete the task. Entire package for Chandil would comprise of improved and modern highway, street lighting and other related facilities keeping in mind the visitors’ need,” added the CM, accompanied by Chief Secretary Rajbala Verma.
He also called on locals for their contribution. “People here are very nice. They would have to contribute in making the area clean so that tourists coming from different States and also from abroad get a comfortable stay. This would also provide the locals another means of income,” said the CM.
Besides tourism, the CM also stressed on tapping fish farming potential to its full capacity and directed the Fishery Department officials to promote the displaced to rare fishes as per market demand and looking also at export angle into mind. “We have decided to become independent in fishery and Chandil has a great role to play into this. The area would be equipped with solar lights and well furnished markets for the wellbeing of fishermen,” said the CM.
Decision to install a statue of great ruler King Vikramaditya at Borabinda island inside the Chandil dam where 4-5 picnic spots would be developed. 50-seated boats and wood-made rest house of international standard would also come up.
Also present on the occasion were MPs Ramtahal Chaudhary and Vidhyut Baran Mahto, Additional Chief Secretary IS Chaturvedi, Agriculture Secretary Pooja Singhal, Tourism Secretary Rahul Sharma, Revenue and land Reform Secretary KK Soan among others.