Eco-Tourism Boosted in Valmiki Tiger Reserve with Rs. 149.45 Lakh Action Plan

Patna: The Governing Board of the Valmiki Tiger Conservation Committee convened its 6th meeting under the leadership of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change minister, Dr. Prem Kumar. The Board approved the audit report for previous years and sanctioned the total expenditures made from the Trust’s funds, after deductions.

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the council approved an annual action plan amounting to Rs. 149.45 lakh from the accumulated funds. This budget will support local residents involved in eco-tourism activities near the reserve, including boating on the Gandak river, jungle safaris, Kauleshwar swings, Golghar tours, and tour packages. Additionally, funds will be allocated to those managing eco-parks, tribal artists performing cultural programs, and for the maintenance of tourist centers and wildlife awareness initiatives.

A specific allocation of Rs. 50.80 lakh was approved for the enhancement of eco-tourism and the development of eco-development committees. Furthermore, the Board sanctioned a permanent annual advance of Rs. 10 lakh for prompt compensation in cases of human-wildlife conflict in the border areas of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve.

The Board also revised the rates for three-day and two-day eco-tourism tour packages in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve. It was decided that chain link fencing would be installed in areas severely affected by human-wildlife conflict, in accordance with regulations. Plans were made to plant wildlife-friendly trees in the vacant areas of the reserve.

Bandana Preyashi, Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, who also serves as the ex- officio Vice Chairman of the Valmiki Tiger Conservation Committee, instructed that sports equipment be provided to all eco-development committees to encourage talented players. He also recommended exploring the potential of home-stays to boost tourism.

The Minister, who also serves as the ex- office Chairman of the Valmiki Tiger Conservation Board, emphasized the importance of regular council meetings. He directed the installation of ample signage and information boards from Bagaha to the reserve and called for extensive publicity of the reserve.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chief Wildlife Warden, and ex- officio Member-Secretary of the Governing Board, Prabhat Kumar Gupta, expressed gratitude to all members present, and the meeting concluded under the Chairman’s direction.

Attendees included N. Jawahar Babu, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (FCF), Bihar; Dr. Neshamani K., Conservator of Forests and Field Director of Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bettiah; Pradyumna Gaurav, Divisional Forest Officer and Deputy Director of Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Division-1; Piyush Kumar Barnwal, Divisional Forest Officer and Deputy Director of Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Division-2, Bettiah; Arun Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Finance Department; and a representative of Nirbhay Kumar Mahato, Chairman of the Zila Parishad, West Champaran.