Why in News?

=> Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, presiding over the 14th meeting of the Jharkhand State Wildlife Board, discussed a total of nine agendas including the management plan of wildlife shelters, formulation of Jharkhand Wildlife Policy.

Key Points:

=> In the meeting, the management plan of wildlife shelters, formulation of Jharkhand Wildlife Policy, diagnosis of health problems of villagers of villages located inside wildlife sanctuaries of the state, extensive plantation along the banks of Ranchi-Jamshedpur NH, construction of Fossil Park in Sahibganj including work Other topics were discussed.

=> The Chief Minister ordered widening of the roads passing through the forest land including Palamu Tiger Reserve, Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary, Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary, removing the obstacles in the construction of the bridge at the earliest.

=> He directed to constitute a committee for the widening of the National Highway passing through Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary.

=> The Chief Minister said that in compliance with the provisions of the Forest (Protection) Act, 1980 and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, a provision has been made under the tourism policy to set up camps at various eco-friendly places. For this, public private partnership will be encouraged.

=> The tourism department will work with the forest and environment department to develop and improve wildlife parks/zoos, bird watch towers and other useful services for tourists. Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks will be integrated as an integral part of tourism.

=> The Chief Minister gave special instructions to the Forest Department regarding the construction of Fossil Park in Sahibganj. It is noteworthy that Fossil Park is under construction in Sahibganj.

=> After its construction, tourists will be able to see fossils from hundreds of years ago. Along with this, the Forest Department is exploring the possibilities of Fossil Park at other places including the hills of Rajmahal.

=> Directing to pay special attention to wildlife, especially elephant corridors, the Chief Minister said that better underpasses should be constructed for them, so that wildlife can cross the road.