Government plan to develop scenic spots into tourist places will surely boost state tourism

Jamshedpur, Nov. 18: Seraikella-Kharsawan district will soon figure on the map of Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).

In an effort to develop the scenic spots into tourist places, the state government has decided to link the picturesque “Akarshani” in Seraikella-Kharsawan district to ITDC.

Akarshani is located between Seraikela and Kharsawan, about 12-km from the Seraikela township.

On the picturesque hill is the Akarshani temple where people from far-flung areas, including West Bengal, throng every January to attend a grand fair.

Speaking about the plans, deputy director of the department of sports and culture Ajit Kumar Prasad said the infrastructure facilities at Akarshani would be on the lines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath.

“ITDC has been entrusted to turn Akarshani into a tourist spot because the corporation has the required infrastructure. We want to develop the place at the earliest,” he said.

The deputy director said beside an open-air theatre planned on the Akarshani hill, sufficient number of guest-houses and rest-houses, all in accordance to ITDC standards, would be set up.

Besides, ITDC would build approach roads linking the hill to the national as well as the state highway.

Prasad said the corporation plans to develop Akarshani hill in such a manner that it may serve the general tourists apart from the pilgrims.

Director, state department of tourism Sanoj Jha said, “The department of sports and culture has approached us to organise a joint meeting recently. Finally, we have asked the ITDC to make a detailed project report on Akarshani.”

The work would begin soon after the project report is submitted, he added.