Patna: Bihar has stepped up efforts to expand its ecotourism sector by inviting private investors to develop hundreds of tourism destinations across the state under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The initiative was formally launched on Monday when Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Ram Chandra Prasad inaugurated the Ecotourism Investors Meet 2026 in Patna. The day-long event brought together prospective investors from across the country to explore opportunities in Bihar’s growing ecotourism sector.
Government Seeks Private Investment
Addressing the gathering, Ram Chandra Prasad assured investors that the state government would provide all possible assistance in resolving issues faced during project implementation.
He invited businesses to participate in Bihar’s development journey, describing the state as one of the country’s rapidly growing investment destinations.
The minister said the investors’ meet had been organised under the guidance of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary as part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen tourism and ecotourism.
RFP To Be Finalised After Investor Feedback
Additional Chief Secretary Anand Kishor said the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the department was open to suggestions from investors.
He urged participants to share their feedback during the consultation process, stating that the final RFP would be prepared after incorporating suitable recommendations.
Kishor also said the government was working on an investor-friendly policy aimed at encouraging long-term participation in Bihar’s ecotourism sector.
276 Ecotourism Projects Open For Investment
The government plans to develop ecotourism destinations through the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model with support through Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
Officials said 276 projects have been identified for development under two categories:
- Group A: 29 reservoir-based ecotourism projects
- Group B: 247 projects comprising ponds, lakes, wetlands and other water bodies
For Group A, investors must have a minimum annual turnover of Rs 10 crore per site, rising proportionately for multiple projects up to a maximum requirement of Rs 50 crore.
For Group B, the minimum annual turnover requirement has been fixed at Rs 2 crore per site, with an upper limit of Rs 10 crore.
Focus On Adventure And Nature Tourism
The department said the selected sites are expected to offer facilities such as adventure sports, water sports and other tourism activities designed to attract larger numbers of visitors.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) have already been invited from private players for developing ecotourism infrastructure at various locations.
An RFP has also been issued for an ecotourism project at Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, with bids scheduled to close on July 28.
Investors To Get 30-Year Lease
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Arvinder Singh said selected private developers would receive project sites on 30-year leases.
He added that eligible projects would receive financial assistance through Viability Gap Funding to improve commercial viability.
According to Singh, Bihar has already invested more than Rs 500 crore in recent years to develop ecotourism infrastructure.
He highlighted destinations such as Karamchat Dam in Rohtas, Mundeshwari in Kaimur, the Zoo Safari, Nature Safari and Ropeway in Nalanda, and Kakolat Waterfall in Nawada as examples of projects that have witnessed growing tourist footfall.
Industry Representatives Attend Meet
The event was attended by representatives of industry bodies, including Bihar Industries Association, Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), alongside senior officials from the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department.
The government said it expects greater private participation to strengthen Bihar’s ecotourism infrastructure, generate employment and position the state as a major nature-based tourism destination.
