Bihar unveils ecotourism plan for Balmikinagar Tiger Reserve

The Bihar government today unveiled a plan to encourage ecotourism at Balmikinagar Tiger Reserve in Bagha district in the state.
Chairing a meeting of Forest and Environment department here, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi announced that a boating package would be launched next month from Dolphin reserve near Bateshwarsthan to Vikramshila in Bhagalpur district.
While Sushil Modi holds the portfolio of Forest and Environment department, the Tourism portfolio is held by BJP leader Pramod Kumar.
The Deputy CM said that hot water spring, located at the Bhim Bandh in Munger district, would be developed as a tourist spot.
In addition, development work to start jungle safari at Rajgir would be completed soon, a statement from Deputy CM office said here.

Unveiling the contours of the plan for Balmikinagar tiger reserve, Sushil Modi said besides setting up Swiss tents, house boats would be started similar to that of Kashmir to attract tourists.
He said last last year around 35,000 tourists had visited Balmikinagar Tiger reserve and the target is to double it this year.
For launching boating from Dolphin reserve at Bateshwarsthan to Vikramshila in Bhagalpur district, a 24-seater boat has been purchased, Sushil Modi said.