Keonjhar: Even though many tourism spots in the district are in neglect, some private companies were asked by the administration to develop them.
The Collector issued a letter July 24 to the companies to submit detailed project reports (DPRs) within 15 days. A meeting on this was held May 28 and issues related to tourism development were discussed.
As per the decision, OMC (Gandhmardan iron mine) was asked to develop Khandadhar Waterfalls, Tata Steel to develop Murgamahadev Tourism Centre, Serajuddin and Co to develop Handibhnaga Waterfalls and beautify Keonjhar town, Rungta Mines to develop Bhimkund in Barbail and Indrani Patnaik Mine (Unchabali) to develop Sanghagara Waterfalls and Kesharikund in Champua.
Besides, TP Mohanty Mine was asked to develop a part of Chikinia and the main road of Keonjhar town, Essqar Steel (Dubuna) will develop Siddhamath and Puruna Sahar and Jindal Steel will develop Mirigisingha in Champua.
It may be noted that the administration had earlier issued letters to these companies to submit DPRs, but they had not done that. Many have expressed doubts over the companies’ willingness to develop tourism spots.
Tourism officer Ramesh Chandra Nayak said the companies had done development work last year and again DPRs were asked from them to carry out work in the next phase.
Though the companies had started work last year it was hit by delays. In view of this the administration has taken this step, it was learnt.
PNN