J'khand CM stresses developing eco-tourism in state for job creation, self-employment

Ranchi, Jul 6 (PTI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday stressed the need to develop and promote tourism, with special emphasis on eco-tourism, to generate job opportunities and self-employment. Reviewing the functioning of Tourism, Art and Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs departments, Soren directed officials to prepare detailed plans for developing eco-tourism destinations in Seraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, Giridih, Latehar, Hazaribag, Ranchi and other areas with strong eco-tourism potential. "Jharkhand has immense potential for eco-tourism. By developing its circuits, tourism in the state can be given a new identity. We need to move forward with a comprehensive and better eco-tourism circuit plan," Soren said. He directed officials to ensure the planned and holistic development of natural, religious, historical, and eco-tourism sites across the state. The CM asked officials to accelerate work on developing the Patratu View Point and prepare a plan for installing a ropeway at Patratu valley in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district. "Prepare a project plan for setting up a glass watch tower or glass bridge at Netarhat in Latehar district, developing Koyal View Point Cottage, creating trekking facilities, constructing a swimming pool, and other tourist infrastructure at the site," he directed officials. The CM also suggested identifying underground mine areas and developing a tourism plan for them. "Development of tourism will promote the state's religious and cultural identity while creating new opportunities for employment and self-employment for local people," he said. Reviewing the Sports and Youth Affairs department, Soren gave a strict instruction that no reports or complaints should come regarding any medal-winning national or international-level players selling vegetables or doing any other such jobs. He directed officials to prepare a database of such players and formulate schemes for providing financial assistance and incentives to economically weaker athletes. Emphasising the need for developing a sports university, he asked officials to prepare a plan for it. During the review of the Art and Culture department, Soren directed officials to prepare a database of artists associated with various art forms. The department informed the CM that around 12,000 artists have been registered in the state so far. PTI SAN SAN RG