Bihar Environment Minister Announces Major Initiatives for Iconic Parks and Eco-Tourism Development

Patna: A high-level review meeting on eco-tourism and iconic parks in Bihar was held at Aranya Bhawan, chaired by Dr. Prem Kumar, Bihar’s Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Senior officials, including the department’s secretary, special secretary, and the principal chief conservator of forests, attended the meeting alongside other key stakeholders.

Key decisions and initiatives include the development of iconic parks, with each district in Bihar identifying a site for such projects. The department will compile a comprehensive list of these parks and work with district administrations to implement the initiative at the largest available sites. For Marine Drive (Ganga Path) in Patna, a proposal will be drafted to include tree plantation and chain fencing along a four to five-kilometre stretch.

Additionally, Rs. 20 crore has been allocated for the development of Karamchat Dam, with instructions for immediate action to expedite the project. To support eco-tourism, the department will prepare schemes under the eco-tourism head for approval and seek funding from external sources, such as the World Bank, ADB, and JICA. Consultants will also be engaged to develop smaller eco-tourism sites.

The minister highlighted several locations for eco-tourism development, including Kandi-Nawada in Gaya, Tutla Bhawani in Rohtas, Rohtas Garh Fort, Shergarh Fort, Durgawati Waterfall, Kanwar Lake in Begusarai, and the Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bhagalpur. Other locations such as Manjharkund, Banshi Khoh, Simaltulla, Mandar Hill in Banka, and the Vanavar Cave in Jehanabad were also earmarked for further enhancement.

With the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Department spearheading this initiative, Bihar aims to establish iconic parks in all districts and boost eco-tourism across the state.