PATNA: The state government on Wednesday decided to constitute a task force under the chairmanship of Padmashree P K Sen to promote ecotourism in the state. The decision was taken at a meeting of State Wildlife Council held here on Wednesday under the chairmanship of chief minister Nitish Kumar.
The government also decided to open rescue centres for protection of wild animals at Rajgir and Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve in West Champaran district.
A task force led by RK Sinha would also be formed for conservation of dolphins in the state.
Wildlife council secretary Mithilesh Kumar said orphaned and injured animals would be treated at the rescue centres. A core critical area and buffer zone would also be created at the tiger reserve.
In response to state government proposal, the Archaeological Survey of India has decided to do the survey work of ancient stupa at Giriyak hill in Nalanda district.
Mithilesh Kumar said the government has decided to forcefully implement ban on diclofenac, a drug responsible for the dwindling numbers of vultures, along with other steps to be taken for conservation and reproduction of vultures. It was also decided to empower the district magistrates under Wildlife Conservation Act to stop the destruction caused by ‘neelgai’, Kumar said and added that better coordination with the Sashastra Seema Bal would be ensured to stop illegal trade of organs of wild animals.
At the meet, it was also decided to construct a 288-metre tunnel from Jamalpur to Ratanpur in the Munger forest area. Forest roads falling under Akbarpur-Rahel-Aghoura area in Rohtas would also be re-laid.
Principal chief forest conservator B A Khan said the chief minister directed the officials to complete all the work related to the wildlife sanctuary management project of Durgawati by May 10.