Udaipur, January 6, 2025 - The Tourism Department of Udaipur has officially written to the authorities requesting approval for the allocation of 3.1320 hectares of land in Jhamar Kotra. However, the letter got approval from Udaipur District Collector. The department plans to develop "Lesser Known Tourism Sites" in this area. The land is currently classified as Magri land, a type of agricultural land. This aims to convert a portion of this land for tourism development.

Proposal for Land Conversion

The letter sent by the Tourism Department was to get government approval for the conversion of part of the Magri land in Jhamar Kotra into a tourism site. However, the letter also mentions that existing rules (Rajasthan Land Revenue Rules of 1963) do not allow the allocation of land for tourism purposes. Therefore, the department has got special permission from the authorities to proceed with this proposal.

Development of Jawar Mines as a Geo-Tourism Site

In addition to Jhamar Kotra, there was another proposal for the development of Jawar Mines, located 37 kilometers from Udaipur on the Udaipur-Banswara Road. This development project has also been approved by Udaipur District Collector. Jawar Mines is recognized for its historical significance and is considered an ancient geological heritage site. It is believed that the world's first zinc smelting method was used here in the 13th century.

Land Details

1. Khasra No. 1883: 1.3800 hectares (0.1700 hectares proposed for allocation).

2. Khasra No. 1636: 0.0100 hectares.

3. Khasra No. 1625: 0.0700 hectares.

4. Khasra No. 1619: 0.7750 hectares (0.0500 hectares proposed for allocation).

5. Khasra No. 1864: 0.9600 hectares (0.1000 hectares proposed for allocation).

However, as per the Rajasthan Land Revenue Rules, 1963, there is no provision for allocating land specifically for tourism sites.

A survey report regarding the development of Jawar Mines as a tourist destination was sent to the state government on July 18. The Tourism Department plans to develop this site as a geo-tourism destination, highlighting its ancient mining techniques and geological importance.

Fossil Park Development Near Jhameshwar Temple

“The Fossil Park will be established on a hilltop, with a pathway providing easy access. The presence of the renowned Shiva shrine, Jhameshwar Temple, nearby makes the location ideal for development as a tourist attraction. Additionally, the park will function as a research center for fossil studies.” - Deputy Director of Tourism, Shikha Saxena

The Tourism Department is also working on creating a fossil-based park near the Jhameshwar Temple in Jhamar Kotra. The park is expected to become a new tourist destination and will also serve as a research center for fossil studies. The Geological Survey of India has already visited the site and highlighted the importance of preserving the rocks found in the area. The government has officially declared Jhamar Kotra as a Geo Heritage Site, where rocks dating back approximately 180 million years can be found.

Government Budget and Plans for Development

In the recent state budget, the Rajasthan government announced plans to develop “lesser-known non-tourist sites” into popular tourist destinations. Around Rs 30 crore are proposed to be spent on developing sites like the Ramgarh Crater in Baran, Sambhar Lake in Jaipur, and Jhamar Kotra in Udaipur. Currently, tourists do not visit these sites due to the lack of marketing and defined routes.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for these developments is expected to be approved by September 30, and the work orders are set to be issued by November 30.

The Tourism Department’s efforts to develop these lesser-known sites as tourist destinations aim to increase Udaipur’s tourism potential and attract visitors to historically and geologically significant locations. The development of sites like Jawar Mines and the Fossil Park will not only boost tourism but also provide valuable educational opportunities for researchers and students in related fields.