Govt keen on developing Kaimur forest hills as tourist hotspot: Min
BHABUA/SASARAM, Aug. 25 -- Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Sunil Kumar on Sunday said that the Kaimur hill forests, with immense natural, historical, cultural and religious potential, are being developed as a major tourism hub by the state government.
Laying the foundation stone for restoration works at the Mundeshwari Bhawani temple in Kaimur, Kumar said the government was focusing on eco-tourism projects at Karkatgarh, Telharkund Falls and Durgawati Reservoir Dam, besides developing religious, historical and archaeological sites on the Kaimur plateau spread across Kaimur and Rohtas districts.
He said Mundeshwari Bhawani temple, regarded as the oldest functional Hindu temple in the country with its unique octagonal shape and intricate carvings, has witnessed continuous worship for over 1,900 years. It attracts lakhs of devotees every year from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and beyond, while also serving as a focal point for historians and archaeologists worldwide.
Under the first phase of the development plan, works such as widening of the approach road, beautification of the temple complex, construction of a modern entrance gate, solid and liquid waste management, installation of drinking water facilities, parking lots, resting points, afforestation and trekking trails are being carried out at an estimated cost of Rs.6.28 crore.
During his two-day visit to the region, the minister also inaugurated a boathouse at the Durgawati Reservoir Dam and laid the foundation of an eco-tourism project at the mythological Gupteshwar Mahadev cave temple near Chenari, to be developed at a cost of Rs.14.91 crore.
"The Gupteshwar Mahadev cave will soon undergo extensive beautification, with modern ventilation and drainage systems to address oxygen shortage and waterlogging issues. Smooth walkways, separate entry and exit points, a grand entrance gate, lodging and food facilities, and live telecast of the Shivling on a large LCD screen outside the cave will also be developed," Kumar said.
He added that these initiatives would not only bring global recognition to the state's heritage but also create employment opportunities for tribal youths through promotion of folk arts, handicrafts and traditional cuisine.
Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Satyajeet Kumar, Kaimur DFO Chanchal Prakasham and Rohtas DFO Manish Kumar Verma accompanied the minister during his visit to the sanctuary sites....
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