Patna, June 16: The Bihar forest department is working on a plan to produce short films that would showcase the wildlife and forest resources of the state.

The department recently invited expression of interest (EoI) from those having expertise in making such films. June 30 is the last date for submitting EoIs. There are virtually no literature or films which can give an idea about the forest and wildlife resources in the state. The only authentic information can be found in a book titled Back to Wall, written by late SP Shahi, which contains both pictorial and descriptive accounts. Shahi headed the state forest department from 1956 to 1969.

The book, however, was written more than 30 years ago and things have changed a lot since then. Moreover, it is very difficult to find a copy of this book which is out of print for many years now.

The state forest department has realised this fact and taken the step to fill the void on this front.

“We intend to make three categories of short films. While one film would be of 30-minute duration, another one would be 45-minute long. The third category of film would be of 60-minute duration,” Bihar chief wildlife warden (CWW) Mithilesh Kumar told The Telegraph.

He said only those having sufficient experience and expertise in making such films would be selected for the project. These films would showcase wild animals like tiger, blackbuck, leopard and migratory birds found in Bihar. There would be separate films on forest areas, as well as bird sanctuaries, he added.

As far as the financial aspect of making these films is concerned, the forest department would mobilise funds in accordance with the details provided by those interested in making these films.

“After going through the EoI phase, we would invite financial bids and the lowest bidder in different categories would be invited to make the films,” said the CWW.

Sharing the purpose of getting these films shot, Kumar said the ultimate goal is to promote eco-tourism in Bihar. “Once the films would be ready, we would approach Doordarshan to telecast them so that people can know about forest and wildlife resources of the state and can plan trips to such places,” he said.

Apart from telecasting these films on government-owned channels, the forest department would also try to find sponsors willing to bear the cost for telecasting these films on private channels. Moreover, copies of these films would also be sent to channels, dedicated to show wildlife-related programmes, so that those interested in exploring the forests of Bihar can watch it and come to the state. The forest department is also planning to update its website on Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) so that people interested in visiting the place can get updated information about the reserve.