Ranchi: Chief minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday directed officials to come up with a robust plan to boost eco-tourism in the state citing the immense potential of the sector to bolster livelihood.While chairing the fourth meeting of the governing body of the Jharkhand Eco Tourism Authority (JETA) at his chamber at the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha, Soren directed officials to identify all the potential sites to boost eco-tourism. Officials from forest, tourism and water resources departments were also present during the meeting.“All three departments and other stakeholders should jointly work a robust plan to promote eco-tourism,” said Soren. “The state’s natural resources and attractive landscape offers immense possibilities of eco-tourism. Local people at the identified sites must be linked with employment, and nature conservation activities,” he stressed, asking officials to also prioritise exploring ecotourism potential at major religious sites. During the meeting, officials also informed the CM on plans for promotion and development of eco-tourism at a few sites such as Maithon dam, Netarhat, Patratu dam, Chaibasa, Dumka and Ranchi.“Discussions were also held regarding developing eco-tourism site in Patratu on the lines of the one recently developed at Massanjore in Dumka where cottages have been set up besides other amenities. It is drawing good crowd locally,” said an official of the tourism department.
