Ghatshila: In a move to boost tourism and promote local art and culture, State’s Higher Education, Technical, Sports, Urban Development, and Tourism Minister, Sudivya Kumar Sonu, along with Education Minister Ramdas Soren, inspected the Amadubi Tourism Center on Sunday. Their visit aimed at assessing the facilities and exploring development opportunities at the site, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional Patkar painting.
Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Amitabh Ghosh of Kala Mandir and Kamalkant Gop, Secretary of the Rural Tourism Committee. During the visit, they interacted with renowned painting gurus, Anil Chitrakar and Vijay Chitrakar, to gain insights into the intricate art of Patkar painting, a traditional form native to the region.
The ministers conducted a thorough inspection of the cottages built within the tourism center, evaluating the infrastructure and facilities available for visitors. Following the inspection, they held a strategic meeting with key departmental officials, including Tourism Secretary Manoj Kumar, Director Anjali Yadav, Deputy Director Rajiv Kumar Singh, Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal, Rural SP Rishabh Garg, and SDO Sunil Chandra, among others.
During the meeting, discussions were held on the potential of implementing a home-stay scheme in nearby villages to enhance the tourist experience while also benefiting local communities economically. In a significant move to preserve and promote the local heritage, Minister Sonu emphasized the need to expedite the process of obtaining a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Patkar painting, which would provide legal protection and enhance the financial value of this traditional art form.
On this occasion, Kamalkant Gop, Secretary of the Rural Tourism Committee, and Mamta Munda, Mukhiya of the local panchayat, submitted a memorandum to the Tourism Minister, outlining several demands to enhance tourism at Amadubi. Key requests included: Organizing Cultural Programs: A proposal to organize cultural events for seven consecutive days during the Sohrai and Tusu festivals, with government grants to support the festivities. Infrastructure Development: The memorandum highlighted the need for the construction of a dormitory to accommodate tourists, repair of the dilapidated road from the center to NH 18, and maintenance of the solar pump and lights at the tourism center. Beautification of the Center: The request also included painting the existing buildings to enhance the visual appeal of the center.
In addition, Devla Murmu, representing traditional dance groups from villages surrounding the tourism center, submitted a separate memorandum. The demands included: A grant of ₹20,000 to each traditional dance group every two years to support and preserve the cultural heritage. Construction of toilets and provision of drinking water near the dance floor to facilitate better amenities during cultural performances.
Responding positively to the demands, Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu announced the construction of a dormitory at the Amadubi Tourism Center. He acknowledged the need for improved infrastructure to attract more tourists and enhance their stay experience. The minister also assured the community that the other demands raised, including road repairs, grants for cultural programs, and better facilities for traditional dance groups, would be seriously considered and addressed in a phased manner.
