The identity of Latehar district, one of the highly naxal affected areas, is now changing. A new identity is now being made of tourism. Lalmatia Dam, which has unique natural beauty in itself, has started attracting tourists towards it. When Chief Minister Hemant Soren caught sight of the dam, which had been dividing its development for years, he directed the Deputy Commissioner of Latehar to beautify it.
Latehar DC Abu Imran reached the dam with the administrative department and inspected it. After meeting several times, an action plan was made to develop Lalmatia Dam as a tourist area. After which the decision of beautification of Lalmatia Dam was taken in the meeting of DTPC and thereafter the work of beautification of Lalmatia Dam was started. Soon, the appearance of Lalmatia Dam changed completely. Developing the dam as a tourist area got a new identity in the form of tourism. The place where no one liked to go, now tourists are seen wandering there.
The Navratnagarh Fort at Nawagarh, built in Latehar in the 16th century by Raja Medni Rai, is being given its grand form again. Following the instructions of the government, the work of maintaining its height is going on. For this the road to reach the fort has been improved. Comfortable stairs have been constructed. Now tourists are coming to see the grand form of this fort. Basic facilities have also been arranged for the tourists here.
According to DC Abu Imran, the development of Nawagarh Fort and Lalmatia Dam as a tourist area is increasing the number of tourists, while new opportunities for employment generation are also being created. Hundred people have been trained by the district administration by preparing an action plan for boating in Lalmatia Dam. A total of 20 people were selected for boating and 16 people for lifeguards. Boating will start at Lalmatia Dam soon.
“These tourist places have been developed after the instructions of the Chief Minister. After identifying other unexplored tourist places of Latehar, an action plan is being prepared for its development. Soon tourists will come to other tourist places of Latehar like Betla, Netarhat. This will provide direct and indirect employment to the local people,” said the DC.