‘Hiranya Parvat to emerge as key eco-tourism site’

Patna: State environment, forest and climate change minister Sunil Kumar on Sunday laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 2.64 crore aimed at transforming Hiranya Parvat Park and its adjoining areas in Biharsharif (Nalanda) into a leading eco-tourism destination.
Speaking at the event, the minister said the initiative would not only beautify and modernise the site, but also generate employment opportunities for locals. "Hiranya Parvat is being developed as a major and attractive eco-tourism centre of the state and the various projects for which the foundation stones were laid today will boost economic activity in the area and open up employment avenues for locals," he said.
Outlining the renovation plans, Kumar said several facilities would be established as part of the developmental work. "A new stepway from the hillock to the Shiv temple, a cafeteria, a fountain, an open-air gym, world-class toilets and a canteen, among other amenities, will be constructed," he added.
Divisional forest officer (DFO) of Nalanda, Rajkumar M, said the park atop Hiranya Parvat was already a popular destination for morning walkers. He said the upgrade would make the area more scenic and appealing to visitors. "The scheme, which was sanctioned on April 24 this year, is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2026," he said.
Rajkumar also said a Dinosaur Park and wildlife conservation centre were being developed within Rajgir's Nature Safari at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore. "The Dinosau Park, spread over approximately 2.93 hectares of forest land in Rajgir, was sanctioned during fiscal 2024-25 as part of CM Nitish Kumar's Pragati Yatra. It is aimed at promoting both environmental awareness and eco-tourism," he said.
The DFO added that the park would showcase extinct wildlife with a focus on dinosaurs, using lifelike animatronic models – puppets controlled electronically to mimic realistic movements. "These animatronic models will replicate the appearance and movement of prehistoric creatures, offering an interactive and educational experience. Visitors will be taken on an immersive journey into the pre-Palaeolithic age through various themed sections," said Rajkumar.
He said the park would also highlight the impact of climate change on mass extinctions. Other key attractions include excavation zones for educational activities, thematic entry gates, dinosaur-themed safari rides, a specialised cafeteria and multiple children's play areas.
Patna: State environment, forest and climate change minister Sunil Kumar on Sunday laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 2.64 crore aimed at transforming Hiranya Parvat Park and its adjoining areas in Biharsharif (Nalanda) into a leading eco-tourism destination.
Speaking at the event, the minister said the initiative would not only beautify and modernise the site, but also generate employment opportunities for locals. "Hiranya Parvat is being developed as a major and attractive eco-tourism centre of the state and the various projects for which the foundation stones were laid today will boost economic activity in the area and open up employment avenues for locals," he said.
Outlining the renovation plans, Kumar said several facilities would be established as part of the developmental work. "A new stepway from the hillock to the Shiv temple, a cafeteria, a fountain, an open-air gym, world-class toilets and a canteen, among other amenities, will be constructed," he added.
Divisional forest officer (DFO) of Nalanda, Rajkumar M, said the park atop Hiranya Parvat was already a popular destination for morning walkers. He said the upgrade would make the area more scenic and appealing to visitors. "The scheme, which was sanctioned on April 24 this year, is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2026," he said.
Rajkumar also said a Dinosaur Park and wildlife conservation centre were being developed within Rajgir's Nature Safari at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore. "The Dinosau Park, spread over approximately 2.93 hectares of forest land in Rajgir, was sanctioned during fiscal 2024-25 as part of CM Nitish Kumar's Pragati Yatra. It is aimed at promoting both environmental awareness and eco-tourism," he said.
The DFO added that the park would showcase extinct wildlife with a focus on dinosaurs, using lifelike animatronic models – puppets controlled electronically to mimic realistic movements. "These animatronic models will replicate the appearance and movement of prehistoric creatures, offering an interactive and educational experience. Visitors will be taken on an immersive journey into the pre-Palaeolithic age through various themed sections," said Rajkumar.
He said the park would also highlight the impact of climate change on mass extinctions. Other key attractions include excavation zones for educational activities, thematic entry gates, dinosaur-themed safari rides, a specialised cafeteria and multiple children's play areas.