Nitish Kumar aims to promote eco-tourism in Bihar with new facilities

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said a slew of facilities inaugurated by the state government in Valmiki Nagar of Bihar's West Champaran district would promote eco-tourism in the area. 

The Water Resources department has transferred 200 acres to Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department for developing eco-tourism in Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve (VTR), the chief minister said Sunday. 

There should be a convention centre here in Valmiki Nagar where people can hold programmes and also enjoy the natural beauty of the place, Kumar said. He said he has plans to hold a cabinet meeting here, the timing for which would be decided later. 

The chief minister told reporters that a lot has been done for the development of tourism in Valmiki Nagar area such as constructing 'cottages' which are running at full capacity throughout the year and can be booked online. 

With the promotion of eco-tourism at VTR, people will become more aware of the forest and the issue of environment, he said. About 45,000 tourists had visited the VTR till mid-November in 2018 itself, Kumar said. "I hope that the number of tourists will cross over one lakh after the development of ecotourism in the area," the chief minister said. 

"People have an attraction for VTR as it is a unique place which is surrounded by mountain on one end, while river Gandak is flowing on the other side with the greenery of the jungle. 

"There can not be any other better place than VTR. There is huge potential for eco-tourism in Valmiki Nagar for which the state government is working hard to promote it," the chief minister said. 

Various options of eco-tourism, including jungle safari and trekking, are already available at VTR. Eco-huts have been inaugurated in the area and old watch towers have been given a facelift. 

The total number of tigers stood at eight in VTR when he took over the reins of the state for the first time in November 2005 and at present, the number of tigers has increased to more than 35. 

Stating that the green cover area of Bihar was nine per cent after its division, Kumar said it has increased to 15 per cent with the government's massive plantation drive during which 22.50 crore saplings were planted. 

"We have set a target of 17 per cent of green cover in the state," he added.

(With inputs from agencies.)