Dumka, Dec. 13: The state government?s failure in promoting religious tourism in the mythological home of Lord Baidyanath, Deoghar, has prompted the Union government to release Rs 5 crore to boost eco-tourism in its place.

The Centre believes that after renovation and a face-lift of the ancient edifices, the place will have strong tourism potential. The renovations are scheduled under the destination scheme of the tourism department of the Union government.

Principal secretary of the department, Sushil Kumar Choudhury who arrived in Deoghar from New Delhi, said it was the state government that had placed Deoghar for the destination scheme.

Indian tourism development department, a wing of the Union tourism department, has been appointed as the consultant for the proposed scheme shortly scheduled to start in Deoghar.

Choudhury was accompanied by the deputy director of Indian tourism development authority, New Delhi, Niraj Bachkati, architect Ravi Kapoor, engineer-in-chief, A.K. Gupta and deputy commissioner, Deoghar, Sunil Kumar Burnwal.

The team visited different historical places with tourism potential.

Talking to reporters at Deoghar yesterday, Choudhury revealed that work for the ambitious ropeway at Trikuth Parvat (hills) will be started in January 2006.

Besides, roads and restaurants will also be constructed enroute to the site.