Bokaro: State govt has approved a mega zoo spread over 396.22 hectares in Pirtand under Giridih East forest division at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore, which is expected to expand tourism-led economic activity and position Giridih as a major eco-tourism hub, officials said.Urban development and housing minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu said, “Launch of the project would provide fresh momentum to Giridih’s economy. It will generate employment for hundreds of people, both directly and indirectly, while boosting business in sectors such as hotels, restaurants, transport, guide services, catering, handicrafts and local markets.”“The project has received approval from the competent authority and will be developed across six villages: Dudhaniya, Kabariabeda, Kumharlalo, Madanpura, Kathwara and Karnpura under Giridih forest range. Of the total project area, 62.84 hectares comprises non-forest land, which will be acquired under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act before construction begins,” the minister said.Divisional forest officer Manish Tiwari said the location offers road, rail and air connectivity. The zoo site lies along NH-114A on the Giridih-Dumri route, about 15 km from Giridih town and 16 km from Parasnath pilgrimage centre. It is about 40 km from Parasnath railway station, 16 km from Giridih station, 85 km from Deoghar airport and 175 km from Ranchi airport, placing it on the Parasnath-Deoghar tourism corridor.Located close to Kumharlalo Biodiversity Park and Rijuwalika Jain Temple, it has potential to be developed as an integrated eco-tourism destination. Officials said residents of villages such as Dudhaniya, Kabariabeda, Madanpura, Kathwara, Karnpura, Bandarkupi, Kumharlalo, Palganj, Berdonga, Palmo, Jeetkundi, Barmasia, Manjhidih, Matrukha, Khudisar, Bishanpur, Bardehi, Karando, Jamua, Chilga, Bandh and Pirtand are likely to get employment in tourism and allied services.Tiwari said the zoo will house native and exotic species and focus on conservation breeding. Planned species include Asian elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, Himalayan black bears, sloth bears, leopard cats, jungle cats, jackals, foxes, striped hyenas, chital, barking deer, sambar, nilgai, blackbucks, Indian gaur, hippopotamuses and gharials. Birds will include emus, ostriches, peacocks and pheasants.
A map of the proposed zoo in Giridih