Patna : Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary met Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss proposals for using forest land for industrial development, infrastructure and tourism projects across the state.
The meeting focused on the proposed diversion of forest land in Jamui, Gaya and Munger for industrial projects, along with plans for a zoo in Gaya, an elevated corridor through Valmiki Tiger Reserve in West Champaran and eco-tourism development at Bhimbandh in Munger.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need to make regulated use of available barren forest land for development purposes while complying with environmental standards and statutory requirements. He also requested the Union Minister to expedite the examination of the proposals and the process of granting necessary approvals.
Gaya Zoo Proposed On 45.9 Hectares Of Forest Land
One of the major proposals discussed was the construction of a zoo in Gaya district across 45.9 hectares of forest land.
The state government is seeking the necessary approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to take the project forward.
The proposed zoo is expected to add a major tourism and recreational facility to Gaya. However, the project remains at the proposal stage, and its implementation will depend on the required approvals from the concerned authorities.
Jamui Solar And Steel Projects Require 4,340 Acres Of Forest Land
The meeting also covered proposals for establishing solar energy and steel industries in Jamui district.
The proposed industrial projects require approximately 9,000 acres of land, of which 4,340 acres are forest land for which diversion approval has been sought.
The projects are part of the state’s efforts to attract industrial investment and expand employment opportunities in the region.
The state government has requested the necessary clearance to facilitate the proposed use of the land for these industrial activities.
Dobhi Manufacturing Cluster Proposed Under Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor
Another major proposal concerns the establishment of an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Dobhi, Gaya district, under the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor.
The project requires a total of 1,600 acres of land, including 1,308.72 acres of forest land proposed for diversion.
The manufacturing cluster is intended to strengthen industrial infrastructure in the region and provide a platform for manufacturing-related investment.
If the necessary clearances are secured, the project could support industrial activity and employment generation in Gaya and surrounding areas.
5.8-km Elevated Corridor Proposed Through Valmiki Tiger Reserve
The state government also raised a proposal to repair and develop the 5.8-km Madanpur-Paniyahwa road in West Champaran district as an elevated corridor.
The road passes through the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, and the proposed elevated structure is intended to improve connectivity through the area while addressing the need to protect its forest and wildlife environment.
The proposal will require the relevant forest and environmental clearances before implementation.
The project was among the infrastructure proposals discussed during the meeting, with the state seeking to balance improved road connectivity with environmental protection.
Munger’s Sangrampur Industrial Area Requires 84 Acres
In Munger district, the meeting discussed a proposal to develop an industrial area in Sangrampur under the Tarapur subdivision.
The proposed project requires 114 acres of land, including 84 acres classified as jungle-jhari land, for which diversion approval has been sought.
The proposed industrial area is expected to support new economic activity in the district and create opportunities for businesses and employment.
Bhimbandh Eco-Tourism Development Also Discussed
The development of eco-tourism facilities in the Bhimbandh area of Munger district was another important subject of discussion.
The state government intends to explore the area’s tourism potential while obtaining the necessary statutory and environmental approvals.
The proposal aims to promote tourism in the region while ensuring that development activities comply with applicable environmental requirements.
CM Emphasises Balance Between Development And Environmental Protection
During the meeting, Samrat Choudhary stressed that available barren forest land should be considered for industrial and development-related activities in accordance with applicable rules.
He said the proposed projects could encourage industrial investment, create employment opportunities and expand economic activity across different parts of Bihar. He also highlighted the potential benefits for tourism and infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister underlined that development must proceed alongside environmental protection. He emphasised compliance with statutory provisions, compensatory afforestation requirements and environmental safeguards for all projects involving forest land.
He reiterated that the state government remains committed to protecting forests and wildlife while pursuing economic development.
Union Minister Asked To Expedite Examination Of Proposals
Choudhary requested Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to facilitate the early examination of the proposals and speed up the process of granting necessary approvals under the prescribed rules.
The meeting covered projects across several sectors, including industrial investment, manufacturing infrastructure, road connectivity, tourism and wildlife-sensitive development.
However, the proposals discussed are not equivalent to final project approvals. Their progress will depend on scrutiny by the relevant authorities, forest land diversion permissions and compliance with environmental conditions.
The state government will need to complete the prescribed approval process before the proposed projects can move towards implementation.
