The landscape of Jharkhand has long been known for its dense forests, rolling hills, and rich tribal heritage. However, when it comes to tourism infrastructure, the state has remained largely unexplored. This is slowly changing with the introduction of eco-friendly tourism initiatives like the newly developed eco cottages in Massanjore, Dumka.
Conceptualised by former DFO Dumka, IFS officer Aviroop Sinha, and executed under the leadership of IFS Satwik Vyas (2018 batch, Jharkhand cadre), the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Dumka, Jharkhand, these cottages offer an opportunity for tourists to stay amidst nature without compromising on environmental sustainability. The project was not without challenges, but through strategic planning and interdepartmental collaboration, it has become a reality.
THE BEGINNING OF AN IDEA
Massanjore, a serene location situated about 35 km from Dumka, has always been a popular stop for travellers visiting religious sites like the Deoghar and Basukinath temples in Jharkhand and the Tarapith temple in West Bengal. Despite the potential, there was no proper accommodation for tourists wanting to stay and experience the area’s natural beauty.
Recognising this gap, a proposal for eco cottages was put forth. “When the plan was requested in January last year, we weren’t sure whether we would receive approval before the financial year ended in March. But once I joined, we got the funding, and that’s when the real work began,” IFS Satwik Vyas shared with Indian Masterminds.
Once the funding was in place, detailed planning became necessary. The terrain of Massanjore is hilly and challenging, requiring adjustments to the initial project blueprint. “After visiting the site multiple times, I realised that some changes needed to be made in the design and layout to make the project more efficient and in harmony with the surroundings,” Mr. Vyas added.
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION WITH IMPORTED WOOD
A key aspect of the project was the choice of construction materials. The cottages were built using SPF wood—spruce, pine, and fir—imported from Canada. This type of wood is durable, eco-friendly, and ideal for sustainable structures.
“I wanted the project to stand out. Building any structure is easy, but how it is built and the materials used make a difference,” Mr. Vyas explained. The construction process was carried out with minimal environmental disruption. Due to the hilly terrain, heavy machinery like JCBs could not be used extensively, preventing unnecessary damage to the ecosystem.
He further elaborated, “The terrain had to remain undisturbed. If we disrupted the slopes, the entire structure would become unstable over time. We have seen the consequences of such disruptions in places like Joshimath, and we were determined to avoid that.”
FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
Despite the ambition behind the project, financial constraints posed a major hurdle. Each wooden cottage cost approximately ₹25 lakh, but the allocated budget was significantly lower. Multiple bids were floated across the country, but with limited funds, no private firm came forward.
To overcome this, a decision was made to construct a combination of wooden and concrete cottages. Ultimately, 25 cottages were built—10 from wood and 15 from concrete. This solution ensured that the project remained within budget while still maintaining an eco-friendly approach.
DEVELOPING TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE
One of the biggest challenges was the lack of basic infrastructure. Initially, there was no proper road leading to the site. The original access road, planned by the previous officer, was washed away within a month due to heavy rains.
“We had to find an alternative route. My senior and I visited the site multiple times, and after some effort, we developed a new access road from the foothills, which is not even visible on Google Maps yet,” Mr. Vyas revealed.
Beyond roads, the project also required electricity, clean water, and lighting. Given the budgetary limitations, multiple government departments collaborated to help. The electricity department provided a transformer free of charge, another department assisted with fresh water supply, and yet another installed high-mast lights. This collaborative effort ensured that the project could be completed within an estimated ₹6-7 crore.
ENGAGING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
A key focus of the initiative was ensuring that the local tribal population benefitted directly. From the beginning, only local residents were employed in the running of the cottages, even though they lacked prior hospitality experience. Training programs were implemented to equip them with the necessary skills.
“We could have hired people from outside, but they would have taken leaves or eventually left for better opportunities, disrupting operations. By employing locals, we ensured that there was always staff available, and at the same time, it reduced migration from the area,” the officer shared with Indian Masterminds.
Beyond staffing the cottages, the community is also being trained for other tourism-related roles, including guiding treks and operating speedboats. This initiative ensures that those living closest to the land benefit first from its development.
TOURISM EXPERIENCE AND CHALLENGES
The cottages offer more than just a place to stay. Plans are underway to introduce trekking routes, water sports, and organised tours. The idea is for tourists to arrive in the evening, go for a trek in the morning, enjoy water activities in the afternoon, and leave with a wholesome experience.
However, managing a hospitality project under government oversight comes with its own set of challenges. Unlike government guest houses, which cater mainly to officials, these eco-cottages are open to the public, leading to higher expectations from visitors.
“This is my first time handling a hospitality project. Since these cottages are open to the public, tourists expect high-end services despite the low charges. The room rent is only ₹1500-2000, and we provide basic food. However, some visitors compare it to luxury resorts like ITC or Taj and expect quick service and extensive amenities,” said Vyas.
Despite the challenges, the project has been met with widespread appreciation. Tourists from Bengal and other nearby states have already started visiting, and social media has played a key role in spreading awareness about the initiative.
Mr. Vyas shared, “The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Everyone who has visited has appreciated the cottages. Even my juniors have reached out to learn about the execution process.”
With the success of the eco cottages in Massanjore, this initiative serves as a model for sustainable tourism in Jharkhand. By balancing environmental conservation, financial limitations, and community involvement, this project proves that with the right approach, tourism can thrive without harming nature. The future looks promising, with plans to further enhance the visitor experience and expand tourism offerings in the region.
