Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting on eco-tourism in Patna. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting on eco-tourism at ‘Samvad’ in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, directing officials to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the sector’s rapid development across the state.
Senior officials from the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, Water Resources Department, Tourism Department, Minor Water Resources Department, Urban Development and Housing Department, and Panchayati Raj Department presented detailed action plans outlining their respective strategies for promoting eco-tourism.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said Bihar possesses vast potential for eco-tourism and stressed the need for a holistic and coordinated plan. He urged all concerned departments to work swiftly and integrate the state’s historical heritage, cultural landmarks and religious sites with eco-tourism initiatives. He added that the government is committed to transforming Bihar into a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists, positioning it as a hub for spiritual, cultural and eco-tourism.
Choudhary also directed that tourist amenities be developed around state reservoirs under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with public consultation incorporated into the planning process. He called for the early rollout of curated tourism packages to enhance visitor experience. Additionally, he suggested introducing two-day tourism packages for ministers, legislators and officials to encourage them to visit and stay at key tourist destinations, thereby promoting awareness among the general public.
Emphasising sustainable development, the Chief Minister instructed the Environment Department to undertake plantation drives around ponds and water bodies while developing tourist facilities in those areas. He noted that such measures would boost local employment, expand green cover and aid water conservation. Wetland areas in floodplains should be systematically developed with plantations, he added.
He further directed that eco-tourism infrastructure be created at dams under the PPP model and proposed the construction of heliports in hilly regions to enable tourists to enjoy scenic landscapes.
CM Samrat Choudhary also called for a dedicated plan to develop the Jain Circuit, urging engagement with members of the Jain community for their cooperation and inputs. He noted that several initiatives have already been undertaken to enhance tourist infrastructure and preserve heritage sites, reiterating the government’s commitment to public welfare and tourism promotion.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance and Environment, Forest and Climate Change) Anand Kishor, Principal Secretary (Water Resources) Santosh Kumar Mall, Secretaries Anupam Kumar and Kumar Ravi, Special Officer on Duty Gopal Singh, Secretary Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Commercial Taxes) Sanjay Kumar Singh, among other senior officials.
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