Ranchi: TheJharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) and the Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) would ink a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday to launch mine tourism in the mineral-rich Jharkhand. Mining-related tourism is among the key focus areas of the state tourism policy. This move would open a new chapter in the sector, state tourism minister Sudivya Kumar said. A department official said, “Mining tourism is an unexplored treasure in terms of tourist attraction. This move would provide unique and experimental ways to tourists to experience Jharkhand’s mining treasures from close quarters in a responsible manner.” CCL’s North Urimari Mines, an open cast mining site located at South Karnapura in Ramgarh would be the first site to host tourists. “New locations/sites would be added over the course of time with mutual agreement between both the partners. Underground mine tours may also be started in the future,” he added. As per the terms of agreement between both the parties, a copy of which is with the TOI, the tie-up between the JTDC and the CCL will be for a period of five years from the date of executive of the MoU. “The JTDC will take bookings of mine tours for a group of maximum 10-20 persons at a single time, while the CCL will facilitate the tours and other logistics. The duration of the tour will be decided mutually by both the parties in advance,” the agreement read. “Tourists entering into the mine premises will have to abide by the statutory rules and guidelines, safety instructions, and other directives issued by the mine manager of the CCL,” it added. The CCL will provide guide and necessary information to the tourists to understand the mine operations. Tourist calendar shall be decided by the CCL based on season and followed by the JTDC. The latter will charge as per tour package decided by it and reimburse payment to the CCL for the cost incurred by them for arranging logistics.
