Bihar's Controversial Wildlife Tourism Proposal

Bihar Forest Department's Tourism Development Proposal: Key Highlights

1. Construction Tender and Project Overview:

   • Bihar Forest Department issued a tender for tourism facilities within the Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary on October 16, 2026.
   • The project covers 12.9 acres and includes:
     • A helipad
     • 104 cottages
     • 12 tree-houses
     • A restaurant, cafe, and spa
     • Viewing decks, shops, banquet facilities, and an auditorium.
   • Floor heights of buildings may reach two to three stories.

2. Financial Aspects:

   • The project proposes an investment of approximately ₹62.87 crore.
   • A 60-year concession for developing and operating the facilities is planned.

3. Legal and Constitutional Framework:

   • The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 regulates constructions in wildlife sanctuaries. Generally, only works necessary for sanctuary purposes are allowed without special permissions.
   • Construction of tourist lodges or any commercial entities requires approval from the National Board for Wildlife.
   • In February 2023, the Supreme Court imposed restrictions on construction activities within tiger reserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries until further directives are issued.

4. Conflict of Interest and MoU Issues:

   • A previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Road Construction Department to facilitate forest clearance for highway widening faced allegations of conflict of interest and was later cancelled.

5. Regulatory Challenges:

   • The Bihar Eco Tourism Development Society (BETDS) asserts that the project is on 6.3 acres of state tourism land and 6.6 acres of other government land, indicating potential exemptions from some clearances.
   • The tender has unclear provisions regarding responsibility for obtaining necessary environmental and wildlife clearances, leading to confusion about statutory compliance.

6. Ecological Context:

   • Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, approximately 682 sq km, is located in the Kharagpur Hills and is notable for its natural hot springs and diverse wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, wolves, and barking deer.

7. Environmental Provisions:

   • The tender document allows the developer to propose additional commercial components subject to necessary approvals, indicating a potential increase in commercial activity in a protected area.

8. Regional Orientation:

   • The sanctuary spans the districts of Munger, Jamui, and Lakhisarai and is known for its ecological significance.

9. Bids and Project Timeline:

   • The final date for submitting bids is set for November 30, 2026.

This summation highlights the ongoing developments in the area of eco-tourism within protected areas in Bihar, emphasizing the need for compliance with environmental laws and the balance between economic development and conservation efforts.