Bihar CM Directs Faster Implementation of 2,600 MW Durgawati Pumped Storage Project, Pushes Eco-Tourism Expansion

Patna, July 2026: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has directed officials to expedite the implementation of the 2,600 MW Durgawati Pumped Storage Project, while emphasizing the promotion of eco-tourism, green energy, and wildlife conservation across the state.

Chairing the 15th meeting of the Bihar State Wildlife Board at the Sankalp Hall of the Chief Minister’s residence, Choudhary reviewed key proposals related to wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, Anand Kishore, gave a detailed presentation on the proposed initiatives.

The Chief Minister said Bihar should leverage its rich natural, historical, and cultural heritage by developing eco-tourism alongside wildlife conservation, creating new opportunities for employment, private investment, and local economic growth. He instructed officials to ensure the timely execution of all approved projects with regular monitoring.

PPP Model for Tourism Development

Choudhary directed officials to prepare a roadmap for developing and maintaining tourism infrastructure under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He stressed the need to establish well-planned commercial facilities at tourist destinations to improve visitor amenities.

He called for the development of modern infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, trekking facilities, and adventure tourism activities, ensuring that all tourism-related projects are implemented within specified timelines.

Focus on Green Energy and Eco-Tourism

The Chief Minister instructed departments to prioritize projects promoting green energy and prepare a comprehensive plan for expanding eco-tourism in the Rohtas and Durgawati regions. He also emphasized encouraging investments in renewable energy and ensuring integrated development around reservoirs by creating tourism facilities such as hotels, restaurants, and recreational infrastructure.

He further directed officials to formulate a holistic development strategy for hill and tourist destinations, incorporating trekking, nature trails, adventure tourism, and enhanced visitor safety.

Heritage Conservation Through Inter-Departmental Coordination

Choudhary emphasized stronger coordination between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department for the conservation and integrated development of Bihar’s heritage sites.

He specifically called for joint efforts to preserve, develop, and promote the Kesaria Stupa, one of the world’s tallest and most significant Buddhist stupas, as a major international tourist destination.

Conservation and Sustainable Development

The Chief Minister said Bihar’s abundant natural, historical, and cultural resources provide immense opportunities for sustainable tourism. Protecting these assets while promoting responsible tourism remains a government priority.

He noted that such initiatives would generate employment for local communities, encourage private investment, and strengthen Bihar’s position on both the national and international tourism map.

Senior Officials Attend Meeting

The meeting was attended by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Dr. Ramchandra Prasad, MLAs Shalini Mishra, Virendra Singh and Babulal Shaurya, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, Additional Chief Secretary Anand Kishore, senior officials from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department, Forest Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Fisheries Department, Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, and other related departments. Members of the Bihar State Wildlife Board also participated through video conferencing.