The Tourism Department decision to give the major tourists spots and waterfall in the hands of private security company to manage the place and for security surveillance, has created rift between the State Government and Paryakat Mitra (Tourist Friend) and has disturbed the villagers who are serving tourists places in interior areas.
Tourist friends are appointed to give assistance to visitors at major waterfalls and picnic spots. However, Paryatak Mitras serving at major waterfalls like Jonha, Hundru and Sita fall has been protesting against the Government decision. Few days back, the State Tourism Department had decided to appoint SIS Total Security Solution Provider to monitor the security of few major waterfalls located in the outskirts.
“We will never take away the job of Paryatak Mitra, as they have the knowledge of entire hamlet and can easily combat any untoward incident. Only for better management we have proposed an idea to give few major waterfall destinations in the hands of private security agency. The matter is almost sorted and the Department has also assured Paryatak Mitra to give the decision in their favour,” informed Jharkhand Tourism Department Corporation (JTDC), MD, Sunil Kumar.
“Paryakat mitra were afraid that, they might lose their jobs after the charge is taken by the private agencies. Paryatak Mitra does not want any middle men between the concerned authorities and them,” added Kumar.
Since 2009, Paryatak Mitras are serving at major tourists destinations. Presently, 13 such Paryatak Mitra are providing assistance to people at Jonha fall whereas six and 19 Paryatak Mitra is serving at Sita fall and Hundru fall respectively. The villagers working as Paryatak Mitra receives `6000 per month.
“The tourism department is concerned about the development of village clusters and to link the local youths with productive work. The department has appointed a private body on contractual basis to further create job opportunities and enhance the work of Paryatak Mitra,” informed Tourism Director, Suchitra Sinha.
Waterfalls which dot the outskirts of the state capital draw huge crowds. Some of the major waterfalls that attract tourists and locals include Dasam Fall, Jonha Falls, Sita Falls, Hirni Falls and Panchghagh.