Nagpur: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his radio show “Mann Ki Baat” had initiated a dream project ‘Mine Tourism.’ The Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis too took several steps to fulfill Modi’s dream and succeeded in opening an account ‘Mine Tourism’ in Nagpur. The Mine Tourism was started after conclusion of Winter Session of State Legislature in Nagpur. However, the venture seems to be proving a damp squib as MTDC could organize only two trips in the past 40 days. In two tours of 30-seater bus, only 15 tourists and 18 tourists could be booked for the tour. Nagpur Darshan scheme, started along with Mine Tourism, is also sailing in the same boat as it is getting chilling response.
It could be recalled that to raise awareness about the importance of coal mining Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) had entered into an agreement to undertake Mine Tourism and the Walni underground mine in Saoner area was chosen to have a feel of coal mining. Children below 18 years are not allowed inside the underground mine. However, the age bar seems to have played a spoil sport as families thought twice in spending their holidays on Mine Tourism. Similarly, the Nagpur Darshan adventure too found no takers due to dismal publicity about the launch of the venture.
When Nagpur Today talked to Area General Manager of MTDC Hanumant Hede, he said that the Mine Tourism is getting an overwhelming response. “In the last weekend, two tours with 15 tourists on Saturday and 18 tourists on Sunday were arranged.
The department is making all out efforts to make the venture a successful one. Yes, the Nagpur Darshan tourism has not found a single booking. That is true,” Hede bemoaned.
According to experts in the field, wide publicity for success of Nagpur Darshan is a must. Even though city’s major tour operators and representatives of hotel industry were treated with complementary trips of Mine Tourism and Nagpur Darshan but the response is poor. It is true that Mumbai Darshan too hade received lukewarm response initially, but it is now a major attraction for tourists.
Authorities in Nagpur are pinning hopes that Mine Tourism and Nagpur Darshan ventures too would be the choice of holiday spenders in days to come.
