Ranchi, July 6: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday directed officials to prioritise the development of eco-tourism across the state, prepare a roadmap for establishing a Sports University, and strengthen support systems for athletes and artists during a high-level review meeting of the Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Department.
Reviewing the department’s performance for the 2025–26 financial year and its priorities for the current fiscal, Soren stressed the need for the timely and effective implementation of government schemes.
The meeting was attended by Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sudivya Kumar and senior government officials.The Chief Minister asked officials to identify underground coal mining areas with tourism potential and prepare plans to develop them as eco-tourism destinations.
He also directed the department to fast-track eco-tourism projects in districts including Saraikela-Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, Giridih, Latehar, Hazaribagh and Ranchi.
Calling Jharkhand a state with immense eco-tourism potential, Soren instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive tourism policy and ensure the planned development of natural, historical, religious and eco-tourism destinations.
He also called for the early completion of the Patratu View Point project, preparation of ropeway proposals for suitable tourist destinations, and development of tourism infrastructure at Netarhat, including a glass watch tower or glass bridge, cottages, trekking facilities and other visitor amenities.
He also emphasised promoting eco-tourism at Lodh Falls.Reviewing the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that no national or international medal-winning athlete is forced to take up other work due to financial hardship.
He instructed the department to prepare a database of such athletes and formulate schemes to provide financial assistance to economically weaker sportspersons.Soren also ordered a comprehensive assessment of the Mega Sports Complex at Khelgaon, covering maintenance, financial management and athlete facilities.
He directed officials to prepare an action plan for establishing a Sports University in Jharkhand and stressed the importance of exposure visits for athletes and coaches to leading sports institutions across the country, while also inviting renowned sportspersons to the state.
During the review of the Art and Culture Department, the Chief Minister directed officials to prepare and verify a database of artists from different disciplines. The department informed the meeting that around 12,000 artists have already been registered.
Soren also asked officials to facilitate exposure visits for artists through collaboration with Schools of Fine Arts in other states and promote cultural exchanges to strengthen Jharkhand’s artistic ecosystem.
Highlighting tourism as a key driver of economic growth, the Chief Minister said the sector would not only strengthen the state’s cultural and religious identity but also generate employment and self-employment opportunities for local communities.
He instructed officials to complete tourism projects within the stipulated timeline 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 were present at the meeting.
