Variety in makeover: Ranchi nod likely for state’s second biodiversity park in Hazaribagh

Forest officials in Hazaribagh are keeping fingers crossed for a go-ahead from the state administration to set up a biodiversity park — the second in Jharkhand after Ranchi — at tourist hotspot Canary Hills.

The decision to set up the park followed a refusal by the Central Zoo Authority to entertain the state’s plan of a deer safari that had been doing the rounds for a few years.

On September 25 last year, the state wildlife advisory board led by then chief minister Arjun Munda had approved the construction of a Rs 6-crore biodiversity park at Canary Hills, which attracts tourists round the year thanks to its scenic charm and splendid viewpoints.

Forest officials said setting up a biodiversity park would further boost tourism apart from generating employment for local residents.

Divisional forest officer Ajeet Kumar confirmed that a proposal detailing the plan had been sent to Ranchi last month.

According to sources, the park will be spread in a 318-hectare area and include flower, medicinal and aquatic gardens with one exclusively for roses, besides grass zones and water and soil conservation facilities.

Researchers, agriculture scientists, schoolchildren and college goers will also be allowed to visit the park for educational purposes.

It will also shelter a training centre for researchers, sources added.

At present, Hazaribagh boasts three parks — Swarn Jyanti Lake Cafeteria, Agro Tourism Centre and Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Park that was inaugurated this week.

Kumar said Canary Hills, which is famous for its greenery and is teeming with trees, was an ideal place for a biodiversity park.

Until last year, the state had plans for a deer safari at Canary Hills. A hyena conservation centre was also mooted but both the plans were later cancelled in favour of a biodiversity park, which does not warrant approval from any central agency.

Satya Prakash, a wildlife activist who is involved with forest officials in the biodiversity park project, said it would be a welcome green space for people to de-stress. He hoped the project would become a reality after the final clearance.

“After the Arjun Munda-led advisory board agreed to a biodiversity park, a proposal was asked from Hazaribagh forest officials. Now, the proposal has been sent and it should soon get the final approval from the higher-ups in Ranchi.”