Hazaribag's Deputy Commissioner Shashi Prakash Singh announced a significant tourism initiative on Monday. The district administration will soon submit a proposal to the state tourism department. They aim to develop Konar Dam into a major hub for water sports.
Focus on Employment and Tourism Growth
Officials explained the primary goals behind this move. They want to create local employment opportunities. The plan also seeks to put Hazaribag district firmly on Jharkhand's tourism map.
"This development will generate substantial employment for local youth," Singh stated. He emphasized the area's untapped tourism potential. "Konar Dam has immense scope for attracting tourists. We expect visitors not just from Jharkhand but from across the entire country."
Historical Significance and Recent Developments
The Konar Dam reservoir was constructed by the Damodar Valley Corporation in the 1950s. This important structure sits on the Konar River, a tributary of the Damodar River. India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the dam in 1955.
Deputy Commissioner Singh visited the dam site on Sunday with administrative officials. Following this visit, he confirmed plans to discuss development proposals with DVC Chairman S Suresh Kumar.
Existing and Planned Water Sports
The Damodar Valley Corporation owns and operates Konar Dam. This public sector undertaking recently introduced several water sports activities for tourists. New Year celebrations saw the launch of jet skiing and scuba diving facilities.
DVC has decided to expand these offerings in the coming days. More water sports schemes are currently in the planning stages.
Additional Development Projects
Chairman S Suresh Kumar recently visited the dam site himself. During this visit, he inaugurated solar power units with a capacity of 8 MW. Kumar announced ambitious plans to generate 320 MW of electricity in the coming years through similar projects.
Authorities are also developing plans to address local water needs. They intend to use water from Konar Dam to supply drinking water to Hazaribag town and surrounding areas. This initiative aims to solve persistent water crisis problems in the region.
