Residents of the maoist-infested Gomia block in Bokaro rejoiced as the Hemant Soren government announced to develop the area’s Luggu Hill as a major tourist destination, during the state Budget presentation on Wednesday.

“Seeing the importance of the place, the state government will develop Luggu as a huge tourist destination. All the basic facilities and infrastructures required by tourists will be developed under the scheme,” the government announced.

“Though the overall Budget is a flop, I welcome the development of Luggu Hill as a tourist destination,” AJSU-P MLA of Gomia Lambodar Mahto said.

Lobin Murmu, a Santhal resident of the area welcomed the decision of the state government.

“There is a big natural cave atop the hill inside where devotees offer puja to Luggu Baba,” he said.

Apart from Santhalis, the people belonging to other communities have a strong belief in Luggu Baba, who is believed to be another avatar of Shiva.

Surrounded by dense forests and traversed by streams and perennial springs, Luggu is considered one of the most beautiful areas of the state.

Santosh Murmu, a resident, said, “We are happy that Luggu will be developed as a tourist point. It will increase the footfall of tourists.”

However, BJP leader Biranchi Narayan claimed that the announcement made by the government was a way to take credit of a decision already made by the saffron party.

“The BJP government had already installed facilities and infrastructures for the visitors and tourists. Developmental activities were already being conducted with the allocation provided during our regime in the state,” he said.

The BJP had earlier planned to install a museum in the area that would have a collection of Santhal literature and traditional musical instruments.