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CM Nitish Kumar gives nod to development of Bihar's 2nd zoo at Forbesganj

PATNA: Chief minister (CM) Nitish Kumar on Thursday asked the officials concerned to develop ecotourism facilities in more forest areas in the state and also gave nod to development of state’s second and north Bihar ’s first zoo at Forbesganj in Araria district. The CM asked the forests department to create a separate wing for looking after ecotourism spots in the state.




The CM issued these instructions while chairing the ninth meeting of State Wildlife Board. The meeting was also attended by deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, who holds the portfolio of state forests minister as well. Other members of the board were connected to the meeting via online mediums.

The board gave its nod to construction of a ropeway at Mundeshwari hills in Kaimur. In another decision, the wildlife board gave environmental clearance for laying power transmission as well as optical fibre lines.

“There are vast possibilities of development of ecotourism in Bihar. Ecotourism facilities should be developed at Valmikinagar and Manguraha in West Champaran district and Rajgir, Gaya, Nawada, Araria and Kaimur districts,” the CM said.

Principal secretary (environment, forests and climate change) Deepak Kumar Singh said the CM called for creation of a separate wing in the forests department for development and management of ecotourism sites.

The CM also asked the officials to develop an integrated building at the base of new as well as the existing ropeway at Rajgir. “The integrated buildings will cater to the requirement of vehicle parking, restaurant for tourists and other utilities,” he told officials.

The CM also issued instructions for completion of work on all ropeways under construction in the state. “Works are underway on a ropeway project at Mandar hills in Banka and consent was given today for development of another ropeway at Mundeshwari hills,” Singh said.

The CM also asked forests department officials to take all necessary steps for live- streaming of animals through internet at Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, commonly known as Patna zoo.

Asked about the proposal for development of state’s second zoo at Forbesganj in Araria district, Singh said, “The CM has approved development of the zoo on 289 acres of land in Raniganj. The area presently has around six deer and few pythons.”

Additional principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) P K Gupta gave a detailed presentation on wildlife conservation in the state.

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