Bihar’s Initiative to Develop Two Additional Zoological Parks

Introduction

The Bihar government has announced plans to establish two new zoological parks to accommodate the state’s growing population and expansive geographical area.

Proposal for New Zoological Parks

During a recent review meeting, Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Minister Prem Kumar instructed officials to form a committee to identify suitable locations for the parks—one in north Bihar and another in south Bihar.

Rationale Behind the Decision

Minister Kumar highlighted that, in comparison to Tamil Nadu, which has a population of eight crore and four biological parks, Bihar currently has only two: Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park in Patna and Rajgir Zoo Safari. He emphasized the necessity of establishing two additional parks to better serve Bihar’s larger population.

Anticipated Benefits

The proposed zoological parks aim to:

Enhance Eco-Tourism: Attract more visitors and boost the local economy.

Conserve Wildlife: Protect and preserve the state’s rich wildlife heritage.

Educational Outreach: Serve as centers for raising awareness about environmental conservation.


Ongoing Conservation Efforts

The Bihar government has been proactive in promoting eco-tourism and wildlife conservation:

Since its inception in 2021, Rajgir Zoo Safari, the state’s first zoo safari, has attracted over 9 lakh visitors.

Biodiversity parks have been established in districts such as Gaya, Jamui, and Araria, with ongoing construction in Thawe (Gopalganj), Mandar (Banka), and Birpur (Supaul).

Public amenities and a park have been developed at Kakolat Waterfall.

The Urban Development Department has transferred 224 parks to the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Department for development and beautification.


Conclusion

These initiatives reflect Bihar’s commitment to enhancing eco-tourism, conserving wildlife, and promoting environmental education across the state.