The state tourism department is all set to develop historic temples as tourist spots as has been conveyed to deputy commissioner Manish Ranjan by tourism department director.

The religious places that have been identified for development are 200-year-old Bageshwari temple at Banaso where the ashtadhatu idol ofGoddess Parvati was installed more than 250 years ago, centuries-old banyan temple at Chalkari and the most attractive Chandu waterfall in the thick forests that attract a huge number of tourists, Ranjan said.

Although these historic places are located in the Maoist-infested Bishnugarh block, the devotees from far-flung places visit the areas. However, till now in spite of demand by the locals neither the district authority nor the tourism department has taken any steps for developing the area as tourist spots.

Road communication for the places is good as all the spots are quite close to both NH-100 and the Gomia-Bishnugarh road connecting the NH. With the decision of the state government which released Rs 2 crore for development, new avenues will open for employment to hundreds of jobless youths. tnn

Tourism minister Bimla Pradhan, during her visit to Hazaribag about three months ago, said she was impressed with the spots and would take necessary steps for developing the area as important tourist spots. This money has been sanctioned in addition to Rs 1.5 crore doled out for the tourist guesthouse at Tatijharia (on NH-100) with all amenities for tourists.