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| Tenughat Dam. File picture |
Bokaro, Dec. 13: Bokaro administration’s dream project of developing Tenughat into major tourist hub, conceived in 2001, is biting dust.
The proposed multi-crore project to develop Tenughat — 55km from Bokaro, between capital Ranchi and pilgrimage site Parasnath — as a tourist centre remains on paper, despite the Union tourism ministry’s green light. Conceived by Jharkhand’s first chief minister Babulal Marandi, endorsed by Arjun Munda and Shibu Soren, the project did not take off due to political instability, say observers.
Repeated pleas made by deputy commissioners Pravin Toppo, Satyendra Singh, Dr Nitin Kulkarni, which were supported by Gomia MLA Madhowlal Singh, Bermo MLA Rajendra Singh, Bokaro MLA Samresh Singh and Girdih MP Ravindra Pandey, did not make headway. Several city organisations, including Bokaro Yuva Manch, Bokaro Naujawan Forum and political party leaders of the RJD, Congress, JMM and BJP have written to Munda to give a go-ahead to the project.
Tribal welfare commissioner Pravin Toppo (IAS) conceded to The Telegraph that had the project seen the light of day, rising Naxalite activities could have been checked. “Youths could have started their tourist-related businesses,” he said.
Located amid dense forests and hilly terrain, Tenughat Dam is the main reservoir catering to the needs of five lakh Bokaro residents.
The nine-year-old proposal mooted the idea of the dam becoming a tourist resort-cum-scenic garden along the lines of Mysore’s famed Vrindavan Gardens. An expert team went to Mysore in 2001 and submitted a detailed report on developing a 25-acre garden near the dam. It was to have four tiers connected with stairs, dotted with flowers and fountains on each floor and seating arrangements.
In 2007, this project report reached then Bokaro deputy commissioner Pravin Toppo, he made a few amendments and sent the proposal to Ranchi with an ‘urgency flag’. It was a request to the capital for an early go-ahead.
The irrigation building-cum-guest house, now a hub of petty criminals after sunset, also needs a revamp, the proposal pointed out.
