Over 150 boatmen, tea sellers and owners of roadside eateries of Maithon, one of the most familiar tourist attractions of the region, are without any earnings ever since visitors stopped coming and the government imposed restrictions on boating ever since the lockdown was imposed.

Over 70 boatmen, from adjoining villages, including Goghna and Kalibasti, were operating their boats in the dam under various self-help groups as per district administration guidelines.

Although many of them have started repairing their boats in the hope of certain relaxations ahead of December tourist season, most are apprehensive about the future.

Nepal Chaudhary (42), a boatman of Goghna village of Maithon, said, “All 24 members of our group, Matsya Gandha, which is authorised to operate boats from one of the three ghats, are facing penury of the worst kind. We are finding it difficult to meet family expenses.”

Chaudhary explained that theirs was primarily seasonal income that takes place during the tourist season of December to January. “We are hoping that the government will allow some relaxation in norms. Otherwise, all will be lost,” he said.

He said usually, during peak tourist season, their income is in the range of Rs 3,000 a day. On other days, they would earn around Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 a day.

“Our income is almost zero since the last six months of lockdown due to lack of permission for operating boats,” said Chaudhary.

Surendra Soren (22), another boatman of the same village, said they were ready to adhere to all Covid protocols, like maintaining social distancing and using sanitisers and allowing less number of people on boats.

“The dam has been given a new look with the recent renovation work carried out by DVC. Now is the best opportunity for the authorities to attract tourists,” he said.

The plight of those running the 80 roadside eateries is no better. Kanchan Sao, a coffee shop owner of Kali Basti village, said, “Very few tourists are visiting the dam these days. Our income, which used to be around Rs 1,500 a month, has reduced to less than Rs 100 per month. During the first few months of the lockdown, our income was almost zero.”

Situated about 48 km from Dhanbad district headquarters, the major attraction of Maithon is the 15,712 feet long and 165 feet high Maithon Dam situated over the Barakar river, and the Maithon Lake spread over 65 sq km.

Boating around the lake’s many islands, including Sabuj Deep and Chamoch Deep, is an enjoyable experience. The Maa Kalyaneshwari Temple, less than 100 meter from the dam is another attraction.