Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Sunday directed officials to expedite work on the 1,000-MW Durgawati Pump Storage Project and prioritise proposals that promote green energy and sustainable investment. The project, coming up on the Durgawati river in Kaimur district, will comprise four units of 250 MW each and is likely to generate 6.325 million units of peak power daily.Choudhary issued the directions while chairing the 15th meeting of the Bihar State Wildlife Board at the Sankalp auditorium in Lok Sevak Awas. Environment, forest and climate change minister Ramchandra Prasad and senior officials attended the meeting, where proposals related to wildlife conservation, eco-tourism and green energy development were reviewed.
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The CM said tourism projects should be developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. He asked officials to prepare a comprehensive eco-tourism plan for the Rohtas-Kaimur region, with special focus on Rohtas and Durgawati. He stressed the need to attract green energy investments and develop hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities while ensuring planned growth around the Durgawati dam.Choudhary also called for a comprehensive development plan for tourist destinations and hill areas, covering trekking, adventure activities, excursions and visitor safety. He said commercial activities at tourist sites should be organised to improve facilities for visitors.Emphasising coordination between the Archaeological Survey of India and the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, he said both agencies should work jointly for the conservation, development and tourism promotion of Kesariya Stupa, one of the world’s tallest Buddhist stupas.The CM said Bihar should integrate wildlife conservation with eco-tourism to generate employment, attract investment and boost local economic activity. He directed officials to ensure time-bound implementation and regular monitoring of approved proposals. He also asked departments to prepare operation and maintenance plans for PPP-mode tourism projects, including modern amenities, cafeterias, trekking routes and adventure tourism facilities.
