Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday emphasized the state's immense potential for eco-tourism and directed officials to formulate a comprehensive development plan. He urged all relevant departments to work in a coordinated manner to achieve this goal.
Review Meeting on Eco-Tourism
Chairing a review meeting on eco-tourism at the Chief Minister's secretariat, Choudhary stated that Bihar's historical heritage, cultural landmarks, and religious destinations should be integrated with eco-tourism to create a broader tourism network across the state. He said, "The state government is fully committed to making Bihar an attractive destination for tourists from across the country and abroad, and developing it as a hub for spiritual, cultural, and eco-tourism."
Two-Day Tourism Package for Officials
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to prepare a two-day tourism package for Bihar ministers, legislators, and state government officials and employees. This would enable them to visit and stay at important tourist destinations in the state. Explaining the rationale, Choudhary said, "To promote tourism in Bihar, we ourselves should visit tourist sites and spend time there, so that the general public can also be made aware of the tourist facilities and features available at those places." He added that packages should be prepared promptly, keeping in mind tourist convenience and encouragement.
PPP Model for Tourist Facilities
Choudhary further directed that tourist facilities be developed around all state government reservoirs under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. He asked officials to consult local residents and seek their suggestions before proceeding. The Chief Minister said the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change should undertake plantations around all state government-owned ponds and create tourist facilities there. "This will promote local employment, increase the state's green cover area, and also facilitate water conservation," he noted.
Development of Wetlands and Dams
He called for systematic development of wetland areas in the 'chaur' regions, along with plantations in surrounding areas. Eco-tourism structures should similarly be developed on the PPP model at all dams under the Water Resources Department. In hilly areas, helipads should be constructed so tourists can enjoy scenic valleys more easily.
Jain Circuit Development
Referring to the Jain Circuit, Choudhary said, "A plan should be made to develop the Jain Circuit of the state as well, and for this, the people of the Jain community should be consulted and their cooperation sought." He added that several works had already been undertaken to improve tourist facilities and preserve heritage sites in Bihar.
Among those present at the meeting were Principal Secretary to the CM Deepak Kumar; Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh; ACS Anand Kishore; Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall; and Secretaries Anupam Kumar and Kumar Ravi.
