The Jharkhand government has proposed the construction of two new zoos and a tiger safari park within the state, which is a big initiative towards eco-tourism and wildlife conservation. This was decided on in a recent State Wildlife Board meeting held by the Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The purpose of the move is to turn Jharkhand into a major tourist destination for people interested in nature and wildlife, and to create jobs and enhance the infrastructure of the state.
As per the plan, it will set up new zoos in Giridih and Dumka districts and create the first tiger safari park in the state in the Latehar district, adjacent to the Palamu Tiger Reserve. The Giridih proposed zoo will occupy approximately 396 acres, as opposed to the almost 116 acres in Dumka. These two places were selected based on their appropriate geography, vegetation, and biodiversity, which make them attractive sites of zoological parks that can serve the purpose of visiting as well as preserving wildlife.
The tiger safari, which will be located in the forest of Putuagarh in the Latehar area, should be a big tourist attraction for locals nationwide. The government intends to model the safari along the successful Rajgir pattern in Bihar, which is an integration of eco-friendly tourist facilities and protection of wildlife. The safari will not be set up within the main area or the buffer area of the Palamu Tiger reserve, but the surrounding forest area, so as to be in line with the environmental protection laws and cause minimum disruption to the wild tiger’s natural environment.
The officials are convinced that the new zoos and safari park will be used in various ways, such as educating people about the wildlife, rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned animals, and creating awareness about conservation programs. The projects will also provide new jobs to the local communities due to the tourism and hospitality, as well as the maintenance of the projects. Moreover, the program is in line with the overall objective of the state, which is the achievement of sustainable tourism and conservation of its rich biodiversity.
Nevertheless, analysts have noted that such projects should be carefully planned and environmental standards followed in order to make them successful. The government will have to prepare a detailed project report, take the required approvals from the Central Zoo Authority, and ensure that the resources are managed. When properly implemented, the new zoos and tiger safari may contribute greatly to the image of Jharkhand as a green tourism site, as well as develop a better rapport between humans and wildlife.
In these developments, Jharkhand will make a giant step towards eco-tourism and wildlife conservation and provide tourists with a one-of-a-kind chance to view the natural beauty and animal life in the state in responsible and sustainable ways.
