Chandrapur MLA Jorgewar seeks mining tourism, meets Union Coal Minister Kishan Reddy

Chandrapur MLA Kishor Jorgewar has demanded that mining tourism be promoted in Chandrapur. He met Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi and raised various issues concerning the Chandrapur constituency.

Jorgewar demanded that closed underground and open cast mines, overburden dumps and unused WCL land be developed for tourism. He also said Coal India should frame a separate policy on mining tourism.

Chandrapur is identified with the coal industry and mining. The district has underground and open cast mines, a large number of overburden dumps, and WCL land lying vacant in many places. Jorgewar told the minister that these resources could be used for tourism and not for industry alone.

Jorgewar said that if mining sites were developed for tourism with careful planning, Chandrapur could become a new centre of mining tourism. According to him, this would create jobs for local people and give a boost to the local economy. He also said it would allow WCL's existing assets to be used properly, maintained and protected effectively.

Jorgewar also asked the Union Minister for an eco-park in Chandrapur. The meeting also discussed developing available spaces in the coal mining area in an environment-friendly manner to create facilities for recreation and leisure.

Another issue concerned residential structures on unused WCL land. Jorgewar drew the Union Minister's attention to the need to grant permanent leasehold rights for these structures. He demanded a firm decision to resolve the long-pending questions of the people concerned.

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy responded positively to the issues raised by Jorgewar. It has been said that the matters will be considered at the required level and action will follow to take the right decision soon.

Important questions concerning Chandrapur's development were raised directly at the Centre and received a positive response. Hopes have therefore been expressed that issues relating to mining tourism, the eco-park and WCL land will move forward faster.