Patna: A review meeting regarding the development and upgradation of several biodiversity parks, botanical gardens, and eco-tourism projects was organized at the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on January 13, 2025. The meeting took place in the auditorium of Aranya Bhawan, Patna, under the chairmanship of Dr. Prem Kumar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bihar. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Secretary of the Department, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden, Director of Ecology and Environment, and Conservators of Forests from various divisions.
Detailed Review of Development Plans
The presentation covered 20 schemes across 15 forest divisions under the Eco-Tourism and Park Development Scheme. These proposals, reviewed by concerned forest division officials, included development work for several parks and lakes around the state.
A Rs 2197.12 lakh plan for the development of Mandar Botanical Garden under the Forest Division, Banka, was discussed. The review concluded with instructions to submit a proposal for the development work of the park with an allocation of Rs 1553.57 lakh in the current financial year 2024-25. A separate scheme of Rs 2997.82 lakh for the development of Mandar Biodiversity Park was also presented, with a proposal for Rs 1587.87 lakh for this year.
Plans for Other Key Locations
The development of Goga Beel Lake and Sanctuary in Manihari, Katihar, was reviewed with a plan of Rs 2041.82 lakh. After discussions, the officials were directed to submit a proposal for Rs 400.00 lakh to be spent on development during the current financial year.
Similarly, a redevelopment plan for Jaiprakash Udyan under the Forest Division, Bhagalpur, was reviewed with a total cost of Rs 2103.34 lakh. Officials were instructed to submit a proposal for the full amount for the current financial year.
For the development of Mansarovar Lake Park in Veerpur under the Forest Division, Supaul, a plan worth Rs 262.36 lakh was discussed, with a proposal for Rs 262.36 lakh for this year’s work.
Focus on Eco-Tourism
The meeting also reviewed a Rs 307.02 lakh proposal for the development of Nakati Eco-Tourism in Jhajha, under the Forest Division, Jamui. Following the review, the direction was given to submit a proposal for Rs 131.87 lakh for the current year.
Another major scheme discussed was for the development of Silaunja Park under the Forest Division, Gaya. A plan of Rs 2181.62 lakh was reviewed, and the officials were instructed to submit a proposal for Rs 811.19 lakh for this year.
Upgradation and Beautification Projects
The department also reviewed a Rs 499.80 lakh beautification plan for Veer Kunwar Singh Park under the Forest Division, Bhojpur. The officials were instructed to submit a proposal for Rs 399.75 lakh for the current financial year.
For Patna, the Forest Division presented a Rs 705.09 lakh plan for the upgradation of 21 parks. The review concluded with a direction to submit the full proposal for the current year, along with a separate Rs 467.07 lakh proposal for the capital reservoir under the centrally sponsored IDWH scheme.
Further Park Developments
The Forest Division of Nawada proposed a Rs 681.98 lakh plan for the development of Sanjeevani Vatika Park, with instructions to submit a proposal for Rs 206.24 lakh for the current year. Additionally, the development of Khuri Biodiversity Park under the same division was discussed, with a proposal for Rs 998.44 lakh, with an emphasis on submitting Rs 285.24 lakh this year.
Other projects discussed included a Rs 555.75 lakh development plan for a park near Bawan Bidha Pond under the Forest Division, Aurangabad, and a plan for the development of Nehru Park and Maa Mundeshwari Park worth Rs 1069.27 lakh under Forest Divisions of Rohtas, Kaimur, and Munger. Both of these projects have been directed to submit proposals for the current year’s development work.
Additional Projects and Instructions
Plans for the construction of a home stay under Forest Division, Rohtas, worth Rs 383.43 lakh were reviewed, and the officials were instructed to submit a proposal for this year’s work. Similarly, a Rs 595.73 lakh proposal for Bhalunidham Park and Rs 990.23 lakh for Anicut Park development was discussed.
In addition, a Rs 446.55 lakh proposal for the upgradation of Rhino Enclosure at Patna Zoo was reviewed. The department has directed officials to submit a proposal for Rs 192.71 lakh for this year.
Emphasis on Community Involvement
Dr. Prem Kumar emphasized the importance of creating employment opportunities for the local population through the construction of souvenir shops in these parks, where local products could be sold. He also highlighted the need for hoardings and posters related to biodiversity conservation and tree planting.
In closing, Dr. Kumar directed the officials to take immediate steps in submitting proposals for the 20 reviewed schemes, which will benefit the public through the development, upgradation, and beautification of parks and eco-tourism sites across Bihar.
