Ranchi, Feb. 15: Nature lovers have discovered a hidden gem at Angara block in Ranchi district, only 25km from the heart of the capital.
Christened as Manvadhir Paryatan (human rights tourism), the park, situated on the NH-23 that links Ranchi with Purulia, draws eco-tourists who want to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of urban life but don't want the over-crowded option of Jonha Falls.
Clad in olive green uniforms, caretakers Prakash Kachchhap and Ghanu Singh Ghatwar extend a warm welcome to guests at the main gate of the park, run by NGO Manavadhikar that mainly works to protect human rights.
Entry to the park, which formally became functional on December 25, 2014, is free.
Inside the premises, another staff Suman Kumari takes care of guests and children accompanying them. On demand, she serves tea and snacks. She can cook meals , provided the guests have sufficient time in hand.
But, people usually arrive with food packets. And, to avoiding littering, they have kept dust bins all over the park.
Benches and tables made of bamboo sticks have been placed under hay sheds all over the greens for the guests.
"Only decent families are allowed here. We don't allow truck drivers and other elements, even if they offer us handsome tips," said Suman, as her colleagues Prakash and Ghanu smiled.
There are toilets shacks made of hay and bamboo, separate for men and women.
These services, except food, are free. But, the NGO pays Rs 5,000 a month each to Suman, Prakash, Ghanu and two other villagers who work here for the upkeep of the park.
Suman, a BCom from Marwari College, works with Prakash, who has studied only up to Class V, and Ghanu, a matriculate. But, all sound happy with the "equal work, equal pay" policy.
"On an average, we get 5-10 guests everyday. Many donate small amounts to our organisation. We are engaged in various activities and run schemes for welfare of orphans, physically challenged, street vendors and destitute women," said NGO Manavadhikar'ssecretary Ramesh Kumar.
Meeting 43-year-old Kumar is in itself worth a visit to the scenic spot.
A postgraduate in political science from Delhi University and MA (human rights) from Indian Institute of Human Rights in Delhi, had met with a road accident in 2003. Paralysed in the mishap, his spirit was unbroken.
He set up a Hero Motorcycle servicing centre at Booty More and started taking part in social activities.
Impressed by his good work, one of his regular customers Pawan Choudhary, last year, invited him to his place in Angara and offered him an acre of barren land to develop a tourist spot.
Kumar took up the challenge on the condition that generating jobs for local people would be more important than earning profits.
"I want to do something good for the needy before bidding goodbye to this world," said the tireless fighter.
