CM Soren pushes Eco-Tourism, Sports University, Artist Database

PNS

Ranchi

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday directed officials to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for developing eco-tourism across the state, explore the establishment of a Sports University, and create a verified database of artists during a high-level review meeting of the Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Department.

Reviewing the department’s achievements for the 2025-26 financial year and priorities for the current fiscal at the Jharkhand Ministry, Soren stressed the need for effective implementation of government schemes and timely execution of projects. The meeting was attended by State Sports and Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar and senior departmental officials.

Emphasising Jharkhand’s vast tourism potential, the Chief Minister directed officials to identify underground coal mine areas that could be developed as tourism destinations. He also asked the department to prepare plans for developing eco-tourism sites in districts including Seraikela-Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, Giridih, Latehar, Hazaribagh and Ranchi.

Calling eco-tourism a priority for the state government, Soren instructed officials to formulate a comprehensive tourism policy and develop integrated tourism circuits encompassing natural, religious, historical and eco-tourism destinations. He also asked them to expedite the development of the Patratu View Point, prepare plans for ropeways at Patratu and other suitable tourist destinations, and explore projects such as a glass watch tower or glass bridge at Netarhat, cottages at Koel View Point, trekking facilities, swimming pools and enhanced eco-tourism infrastructure at Lodh Falls.

Reviewing the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, the Chief Minister said no medal-winning athlete should be forced to take up menial jobs due to financial hardship. He directed officials to prepare a database of athletes, formulate financial assistance schemes for economically weaker sportspersons and improve the maintenance, financial management and basic facilities at the Mega Sports Complex in Khelgaon.

Soren also asked officials to prepare a detailed action plan for establishing a Sports University in Jharkhand and emphasised exposure visits for athletes and coaches to leading sports academies and training institutions across the country. He also suggested inviting renowned sports personalities to the state to help improve the sporting ecosystem.

During the review of the Art and Culture Department, the Chief Minister directed officials to verify the database of registered artists across districts. Officials informed the meeting that nearly 12,000 artists have been registered so far. He also called for collaboration with Schools of Fine Arts in other states to facilitate exposure visits for artists and promote cultural exchange.

Highlighting tourism as a major driver of economic growth, Soren said the development of tourism infrastructure would strengthen Jharkhand’s cultural and religious identity while creating employment and self-employment opportunities for local communities. He directed officials to ensure that tourism projects are completed within stipulated timelines while maintaining high standards of quality and modern infrastructure.

Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Mukesh Kumar, Tourism Director Naman Priyesh Lakra, Sports Director Chhavi Ranjan and other senior officials attended the meeting.