Dhanbad: Dhanbad's identity will no longer be limited to coal and industrial activities. Initiatives have begun to develop the district's major religious and natural tourist destinations. More than Rs 2.39 crore will be spent from the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) fund to transform 10 major tourist spots in the district.
The Minor Irrigation Division, Dhanbad has issued e-tenders for these projects. Once completed, essential amenities for tourists will be expanded, and emphasis will also be placed on increasing livelihood opportunities at the local level. Under the proposed schemes, Rs 24.84 lakh will be spent on Vankali Temple in Govindpur, Rs 24.98 lakh for Dukhaharni Temple in Jharia, Rs 24.97 lakh for Topchanchi Lake, and Rs 23.79 lakh is allocated for Lilori Temple in Katras.
Similarly, Rs 24.93 lakh will be spent on Daldali Ashram in Kaliashol, Rs 24.65 lakh on Bhatinda Fall in Dhanbad, Rs 22.05 lakh on Shri Shri Budha Baba Shiv Mandir in Baghmara, and Rs 24.66 lakh on Bhagudih Dam in Tundi. Provisions of Rs 24.96 lakh have been made for Kalyaneshwari Temple in Jharia and Rs 14.34 lakh for Lilori Temple Gangapur in Topchanchi.
This tourism development list includes both religious and natural sites of Dhanbad. Alongside religious places like Vankali Temple, Dukhaharni Temple, Lilori Temple, Shri Shri Budha Baba Shiv Mandir, and Kalyaneshwari Temple, natural sites such as Topchanchi Lake, Bhatinda Fall, and Bhagudih Dam are also planned to be developed. Daldali Ashram has also been included in the scheme. The development of tourism facilities at these sites is expected to increase tourist footfall, benefiting locals through job opportunities in shops, dining, transport, and other services.
The execution period for all schemes has been set at four months. Tenders will be published on October 24, 2026. Online applications can be submitted from October 24 to November 2 by 5 PM. Online bids will be opened on November 4 at 2 PM at the office of the Executive Engineer, Minor Irrigation Division, Luby Circular Road. Tender fees for individual schemes range from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000, while earnest money deposits (EMD) range from Rs 28,700 to Rs 50,000.
The tender clarifies that only e-tenders will be valid. Bill of quantities (BOQ) amounts may increase or decrease based on actual work volume. EMD will be refunded to the same account from which it was deposited. Detailed information regarding the tender is available on the Jharkhand e-tender portal. Upon completion, these projects are expected to improve facilities, accessibility, and utility at tourist spots, thereby boosting Dhanbad's tourism potential and local economy.
