Jamshedpur, April 2: India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has started the process of construction of the much-awaited tourist resort at Chandil in Seraikela-Kharswan district.

Sources in state tourism directorate said the construction work of the resort near the scenic Chandil dam began after a clearance for 20 acres of land granted by the state irrigation department.

The tourism directorate had earlier sought approval for 25 acres of land for the project. State tourism director S.S. Prasad told The Telegraph that according to the proposed plan, the tourist resort would be a double storied building with 30 air-conditioned spacious rooms. There will be a parking place, a restaurant and a mini-golf course attached to the resort.

Prasad said the Union tourism ministry has agreed to fund the project. ?We?ve approached the Union ministry for a fund of Rs 4 crore and we?re hopeful of getting it by April,? he said.

The state government had already sanctioned about Rs 5 lakh for construction of a boundary wall around the tourist resort.

Chandil was selected for the ambitious project as it comes under the new tourist circuit linking Jamshedpur to Betla via Ranchi and Netarhat.

Officials of the tourism department said it will take about 15 months to complete the project. The construction work of the approach roads leading to the resort and the boundary wall began after a joint survey by officials of the tourism department and ITDC last week. The department has also earmarked land on National Highway-33 near Bundu for construction of wayside amenities for tourists.