Chirag Gupta
Patna: A review meeting on eco-tourism and the development and maintenance of parks was held at Aranya Bhawan under the chairmanship of Dr. Prem Kumar, Minister for the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bihar. The meeting included senior officials such as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, various Chief Conservators, and regional officers, with some participating through video conferencing.
Key highlights included the establishment of a dedicated eco-tourism division to give new direction to eco-tourism schemes. Bihar’s first zoo safari in Rajgir, spread over 191.12 hectares and built at a cost of ₹176.18 crore, has already attracted over nine lakh tourists. Nature Safari in Rajgir, operational since 2021, draws over five lakh visitors annually. Biodiversity parks have been constructed in Gaya, Jamui, and Araria, with ongoing projects in areas like Gopalganj, Banka, and Supaul. Recent initiatives include a biodiversity park in Aurangabad and facilities at Kakolat Waterfall in Nawada.
The department is also working on 224 parks transferred from the Urban Development Department. In Patna alone, 109 out of 142 parks have been developed, providing recreational spaces for the public. ₹2791.57 lakh has been sanctioned for the upgradation of parks in districts like Purnia, Gaya, Patna, and others during the financial year 2024-25.
Future projects aim to expand eco-tourism across multiple locations, including Kandi-Nawada, Tutla Bhawani, Rohtas Garh Fort, Nagi Nakati, Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bhagalpur, Kanwar Lake in Begusarai, and more. External agencies may also be engaged to enhance eco-tourism as needed, according to the minister.
This comprehensive effort reflects the department’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism promotion, and the creation of public recreational spaces across Bihar.
