logo
‘Hiranya Parvat to emerge as key eco-tourism site'

‘Hiranya Parvat to emerge as key eco-tourism site'

Time of India04-05-2025

Patna: State environment, forest and climate change minister Sunil Kumar on Sunday laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 2.64 crore aimed at transforming Hiranya Parvat Park and its adjoining areas in Biharsharif (Nalanda) into a leading eco-tourism destination.
Speaking at the event, the minister said the initiative would not only beautify and modernise the site, but also generate employment opportunities for locals. "Hiranya Parvat is being developed as a major and attractive eco-tourism centre of the state and the various projects for which the foundation stones were laid today will boost economic activity in the area and open up employment avenues for locals," he said.
Outlining the renovation plans, Kumar said several facilities would be established as part of the developmental work. "A new stepway from the hillock to the Shiv temple, a cafeteria, a fountain, an open-air gym, world-class toilets and a canteen, among other amenities, will be constructed," he added.
Divisional forest officer (DFO) of Nalanda, Rajkumar M, said the park atop Hiranya Parvat was already a popular destination for morning walkers. He said the upgrade would make the area more scenic and appealing to visitors. "The scheme, which was sanctioned on April 24 this year, is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2026," he said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Unlock your potential through diverse online programs,
Degree Online | Search Ads
Learn More
Undo
Rajkumar also said a Dinosaur Park and wildlife conservation centre were being developed within Rajgir's Nature Safari at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore. "The Dinosau Park, spread over approximately 2.93 hectares of forest land in Rajgir, was sanctioned during fiscal 2024-25 as part of CM Nitish Kumar's Pragati Yatra. It is aimed at promoting both
environmental awareness
and eco-tourism," he said.
The DFO added that the park would showcase extinct wildlife with a focus on dinosaurs, using lifelike animatronic models – puppets controlled electronically to mimic realistic movements. "These animatronic models will replicate the appearance and movement of prehistoric creatures, offering an interactive and educational experience. Visitors will be taken on an immersive journey into the pre-Palaeolithic age through various themed sections," said Rajkumar.
He said the park would also highlight the impact of climate change on mass extinctions. Other key attractions include excavation zones for educational activities, thematic entry gates, dinosaur-themed safari rides, a specialised cafeteria and multiple children's play areas.
Patna: State environment, forest and climate change minister Sunil Kumar on Sunday laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 2.64 crore aimed at transforming Hiranya Parvat Park and its adjoining areas in Biharsharif (Nalanda) into a leading eco-tourism destination.
Speaking at the event, the minister said the initiative would not only beautify and modernise the site, but also generate employment opportunities for locals. "Hiranya Parvat is being developed as a major and attractive eco-tourism centre of the state and the various projects for which the foundation stones were laid today will boost economic activity in the area and open up employment avenues for locals," he said.
Outlining the renovation plans, Kumar said several facilities would be established as part of the developmental work. "A new stepway from the hillock to the Shiv temple, a cafeteria, a fountain, an open-air gym, world-class toilets and a canteen, among other amenities, will be constructed," he added.
Divisional forest officer (DFO) of Nalanda, Rajkumar M, said the park atop Hiranya Parvat was already a popular destination for morning walkers. He said the upgrade would make the area more scenic and appealing to visitors. "The scheme, which was sanctioned on April 24 this year, is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2026," he said.
Rajkumar also said a Dinosaur Park and wildlife conservation centre were being developed within Rajgir's Nature Safari at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore. "The Dinosau Park, spread over approximately 2.93 hectares of forest land in Rajgir, was sanctioned during fiscal 2024-25 as part of CM Nitish Kumar's Pragati Yatra. It is aimed at promoting both environmental awareness and eco-tourism," he said.
The DFO added that the park would showcase extinct wildlife with a focus on dinosaurs, using lifelike animatronic models – puppets controlled electronically to mimic realistic movements. "These animatronic models will replicate the appearance and movement of prehistoric creatures, offering an interactive and educational experience. Visitors will be taken on an immersive journey into the pre-Palaeolithic age through various themed sections," said Rajkumar.
He said the park would also highlight the impact of climate change on mass extinctions. Other key attractions include excavation zones for educational activities, thematic entry gates, dinosaur-themed safari rides, a specialised cafeteria and multiple children's play areas.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

EDCs empowering youth in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
EDCs empowering youth in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

EDCs empowering youth in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Lucknow: Established under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Forest and Wildlife Department, eco-development committees (EDCs) in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve are not only promoting eco-tourism but also creating new employment opportunities for local youth. These EDCs play a vital role in the socio-economic upliftment of the region while empowering local communities. Currently, eight EDCs are operating in areas such as Chuka (Selha), Barahi, and Chonka Kheda through the Tiger Reserve Foundation. These committees train local youth to serve as tourist guides, manage canteens, and conduct awareness campaigns. Beyond tourism, the EDCs also facilitate development projects in nearby villages, including the construction of roads, installation of solar lights, and development of ponds. Supported by the Tiger Reserve Foundation, the committees engage youth in tourism-related activities as well as in basic infrastructure initiatives. This approach promotes self-reliance among local communities and reinforces the model of inclusive growth. Each EDC receives an annual financial grant of approximately Rs 1 lakh from the Tiger Reserve Foundation, enabling smooth operations and the generation of local employment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo The EDCs around the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve earn between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh annually, which is reinvested into village development projects such as road construction, solar lighting, and water reservoir creation—significantly improving the villagers' quality of life. In addition to infrastructure development, the EDCs actively raise awareness about environmental conservation among both tourists and locals. These initiatives have proven highly effective in achieving the twin goals of ecological preservation and community development. With plans to expand such committees near other tiger reserves and forest zones, the state envisions increased employment opportunities and further rural development in the near future.

Sarthana Zoo got 1.49 lakh visitors during summer vacation
Sarthana Zoo got 1.49 lakh visitors during summer vacation

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Sarthana Zoo got 1.49 lakh visitors during summer vacation

Surat: Over 1.49 lakh people visited Sarthana Zoo during the summer vacation, from May 5 to June 8, and the zoo made Rs 40 lakh in ticket fares, over 16% of its annual income, in just this one month. The zoo got 9,000 more visitors than last year. Sarthana Zoo became a major attraction for citizens and those visiting the city. Considering the heavy rush, the zoo authorities set up four additional ticket windows along with the four existing ones. On the last day of vacation, 10,758 visitors went to the zoo on Sunday, and with the ticket fare collection being Rs 3 lakh. Some nine lakh people visit the city zoo each year and its annual ticket collection is about around Rs 2.50 crore. "The increase in visitors is because the zoo is a major attraction for children. There are few places of recreation to interest visitors in the city," a zoo official said. Officials said the 2km long route and wide open spaces at the zoo are adequate even if 50,000 people were to visit at the same time. However, ticketing becomes an issue on holidays and during vacations. "We had four windows at the entry point. To manage the rush, we set up four additional windows so there was no crowding," an official added. "We also increase the number of staffers at the ticket window when there is a heavy rush. Meanwhile, development work is still underway at the zoo. It will have more attractions soon as we are working on animal and bird exchanges, which are imminent," an official said. Sarthana Zoo has 490 animals of 54 mammal, bird and reptile species. A distinguishing feature of the zoo is that it is the only one in the country where the smooth-coated otter breeding programme has been successful.

Telangana RTC hikes bus pass fares
Telangana RTC hikes bus pass fares

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Telangana RTC hikes bus pass fares

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) increased bus pass fare across all categories by 20–30 per cent. The ordinary bus pass fare increased from Rs 1,150 to Rs 1,400, while the metro express pass rose from Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,600. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Similarly, metro deluxe bus pass fares went up from Rs 1,450 to Rs 1,800. The new fares came into effect on Monday. TGSRTC stated that the student bus pass fees remained the same over the past three years. Due to rising operational expenses, student bus pass rates were revised. Higher student commuter volumes are observed in Hyderabad and its suburban regions during peak morning and evening hours. To address this congestion issue, RTC permitted students to use their bus passes on city metro express services alongside regular buses.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store