Chhattisgarh’s Bishrampur Picnic Spot: How a Closed Mine Opened Up Income Opportunities for Women
A New Tourism-Based Employment Model Born from a Closed Mine
In Bishrampur, Chhattisgarh, a defunct coal mine has today emerged not only as a hub for tourism but also as a robust source of income for local women. The very site once renowned for coal production has now been transformed into a highly attractive picnic spot, featuring amenities such as a water-filled lake, boating facilities, a floating restaurant, and cottages.
An Attractive Picnic Spot Created from a Mine
A Source of Employment for Women
Eco-Tourism Transforms the Region's Landscape
Boating, Cottages, and Fisheries F Chhattisgarh’s Vishrampur Picnic Spot acilities
Public-Private Partnership Key to Development
Located in the Bishrampur region of Surajpur district, this old Open Cast Coal Mine (OCM) was once a major hub for mining activities. Operational since 1961, the mine produced approximately 38 million tons of coal before finally shutting down in 2020. Following its closure, the massive pit left behind gradually filled with water, eventually evolving into the beautiful reservoir seen today.
This project was initiated in 2018 through a partnership between the District Administration and South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL). During the tenure of former Deputy Commissioner K.C. Devasenapati, plans were formulated to develop this site into an eco-tourism center. Under this initiative, Mine No. 6—which had remained inactive since 1985—was rehabilitated and developed as a tourist destination.
Facilities for boating, a floating restaurant, and fish-rearing cages
In the first phase of development, facilities for boating, a floating restaurant, and fish-rearing cages were established at a cost of approximately Rs 20 million. Subsequently, in 2022, additional amenities were added to the area at an expenditure of around Rs 40 million, funded through a joint CSR initiative by the State Government and SECL. These additions include cottages, a children's park, restaurants, and a shopping mart.
Direct employment opportunities to local women
The most significant aspect of this project is that it has provided direct employment opportunities to local women. Women are now earning their livelihoods by engaging in activities such as operating boats, guiding tourists, and participating in various other ventures.
A female boat operator typically takes around ten tourists on a ride at a time, and by completing multiple trips throughout the day, she generates a substantial income.
Fish rearing emerges as additional source of income
Furthermore, a fish-farming system has been established here, providing local residents with an additional source of income. Fish are being reared in cages installed within the reservoir—an initiative that not only yields economic benefits but also enhances the area's appeal as a tourist attraction.
This model implemented in Bishrampur has emerged as an exemplary instance of both environmental conservation and employment generation. On one hand, the rehabilitation of the mine has prevented environmental degradation; on the other, it has created sustainable employment opportunities for the local population.
As per mining regulations, it is mandatory for companies to rehabilitate mines once they have ceased operations. Typically, such sites are utilized for tree plantation, the construction of parks, or the development of irrigation projects.
Bishrampur model stands apart
However, the Bishrampur model stands apart from these conventional approaches, as it uniquely integrates tourism with livelihood generation. Prospects for further development in this region also appear promising.
Plans are currently underway to repurpose other mines in the area for irrigation projects and solar energy generation. Consequently, this region holds the potential to play a pivotal role in the energy and environmental sectors as well.
All in all, this initiative in Bishrampur demonstrates that, through proper planning and collaboration, any abandoned resource can be transformed into a catalyst for development and employment. This model could serve as an inspiration for other mining regions across the country, where defunct mines could be similarly revitalized to bolster local economies.