Even after 20 years of separation, Jharkhand is still treated as one the most backward states of INDIA.
Why is Jharkhand such a paradox, so resource-rich and yet stuck in a poverty rut? The India Today State of the State report looks at the big picture and presents a roadmap for how the state can stage a turnaround.
Majestic hills, wild waterfalls, verdant valleys, steeped in rich history and a rich, diverse tribal culture, the eastern state of Jharkhand is a paradox. It's rich in natural resources, including forests, minerals, rivers, with abundant rainfall and fertile soil, yet the majority of its people live in abject poverty. Jharkhand has 40 percent of India's total mineral reserves but accounts for only 10 percent of the country's total mineral production in terms of value.
A second paradox is that the state (then part of Bihar) started industrialization and urbanization as early as 1907 when the Tatas set up a steel plant in Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad developed as the country's coal capital (over a century ago). Yet, 110 years later, Jharkhand has one of the largest rural populations in the country. The urban population of 24 percent (2011 census) is much below the national average (31 percent).
The state presents a third paradox though it began as a mining and manufacturing hub, recent data shows that the biggest decline is in the manufacturing sector. The state does surprisingly better in services. The increase in the share of services has been at the expense of its share in manufacturing, the latter dropping from 34 percent in 2004-2005 to only 20 percent in 2013-14. The share of services increased by 12 percentage points while the share of manufacturing declined by 14 percentage points.
A fourth paradox lies in Jharkhand being the country's capital for coal, a mining hub for several minerals (mica, manganese, and bauxite) and iron ore, with two of India's largest steel plants-Tata Steel, the first private steel plant in Jamshedpur, and the largest public sector steel plant in Bokaro and yet languishing near the bottom among the 29 states on most Human Development Indices (HDI).
Few Stories of Proud Jharkhand
In Jharkhand's Simdega district, Benedict Kujur provides free hockey training to children from underprivileged backgrounds. 50 of his students have played at the state level.
In 2016, when Sangita Kumari scored a hat trick at the Women's Under-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament in Bangkok, a man in his late forties shed a tear while sitting miles away in a village in Jharkhand. As Sangita gave India a memorable victory against Chinese Taipei and bagged a bronze medal, the man in Jharkhand went on a trip down memory lane.
It was a surreal experience for Benedict Kujur. He was watching his 15-year-old student while she made millions of Indians proud.
Instead of focusing on the regular crops, JSLPS encourages women to get involved in horticulture and plantation of medicinal plants. The specific occupation for them is suggested district-wise.
There are many more such stories. And it's not possible to mention all of them
After so many years, Jharkhand has developed a lot. Being rich in natural vegetation, there are many things to experience. But people still behave as if there is nothing to do here. Here are a few places listed below to visit:
Top Attractions in Jharkhand
NATURE & PARK
SIGHTS & LANDMARK
NATURE & PARK
NATURE & PARK
NATURE & PARK
NATURE & PARK
NATURE & PARK
NATURE & PARK
SIGHTS & LANDMARK
Jharkhand is known for its waterfalls, hills, and holy places. Parasnath, Baidyanath Dham, and Rajrappa are major religious places.
Itkhori is a holy place for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. It is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha started his journey for Bodh Gaya. Many sculptures of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist art styles were found in 2018. There are several waterfalls in the state (outskirts of Ranchi) including Jonha Falls, Hundru Falls, Dassam Falls, and Panchghagh Falls. Netarhat, also known as QUEEN OF CHOTANAGPUR, is a hill station in the state. McCluskieganj is known as one of the greenest places in India. A short trek from the city will take you into the forest area. The forests are dotted with tall Shal and Mohua trees which complement ideally with the red mud tracks.
Today, McCluskieganj is one of the foremost tourist attractions of Jharkhand. Many tourists from the nearby states of Bihar and West Bengal visit this scenic town to spend some "quiet time". Ideal as a weekend destination, McCluskieganj has an old-world charm, rustic beauty, and natural wonders, making it a must-visit destination.
There are several wildlife sanctuaries in Jharkhand including Betla National Park and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary which are the major attraction for tourists.
Tourist attractions of McCluskieganj
A trip to McCluskieganj is mostly about relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature. Walks along the streets of this city will give you sights of many colonial houses with their rich architecture. Some such Anglo-Indian houses have now also been converted into guest houses. But apart from these, there are some places you would like to visit during your leisurely stay at McCluskieganj.
Dugadugi River
The river banks are a must-visit when in McCluskieganj, especially during the sunrise or sunset hours. Having a scenic backdrop of hills and a small broken bridge, this is a place that will give you some great shots! The Dugadugi river flows near the township and is popular as a day picnic destination among the locals. This perennial river, along with its banks, looks especially beautiful during the monsoons and winters.
St. John's Cathedral
A perfect place to feel the Anglo-Indian ties of this place. Built-in 1940, this Protestant chapel speaks of the heydays of the gone by era. Some watercolors of rural England still decorate its walls and old English furniture is kept as memorabilia here. The church service brings all the members of the Anglo-Indian community together and their customs are at large in this church.
McCluskieganj Forests
McCluskieganj is known as one of the greenest places in India. A short trek from the city will take you into the forest area. The forests are dotted with tall Shal and Mohua trees which complement ideally with the red mud tracks. The forest area is also known for many species of birds, butterflies, and wildflowers.
Jagriti Vihara
Formed as an orphanage and rural development center in 1975, today the place has become a scenic tourist attraction. The center is surrounded by green trees on all sides and is bordered by the Chatti river. Both these mingle to produce a delight for the eyes. The center is also known for its handloom and pottery products, so you may take home some of its beautiful products.
Duli Village
Believe it or not – many tourists flock to this conventional Indian village on their trip to McCluskieganj. Apart from enjoying the grass-root level village life, the village also offers some interesting monuments such as the Radha-Krishna temple (which possesses a stunning idol) as well a mosque situated in the same compound.
Trek to the Highest Point
McCluskieganj
The landscape of McCluskieganj is filled with various hills. A trek to the highest point in the town is recommended for every tourist. The view from this point during sunrise is simply spellbinding. It also offers a glorious view of the entire town.
You're missing nature's hidden jewel! You're missing Jharkhand!
Courtesy: Incredible India and Jharkhand Tourism
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