Focus on tourism infra at VTR during review meeting

Bettiah: Tirhut commissioner Girivar Dayal Singh on Tuesday visited Valmikinagar to review tourism facilities and conservation measures at the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR).During the one-day visit, Singh held a meeting with officials of the forest department and other departments concerned to discuss steps to strengthen tourism infrastructure while ensuring protection of the sanctuary area.At a meeting held at the Valmiki auditorium, the commissioner said the Valmikinagar region has immense tourism potential and stressed the need to improve facilities for visitors. He directed officials to enhance arrangements related to accommodation, transportation and other basic amenities so that tourists do not face inconvenience while visiting the reserve.Singh also instructed authorities to strictly prevent any illegal construction within the sanctuary area. He said strict vigilance should be maintained to stop tree felling in forest areas. He said while promoting tourism, equal importance should be given to the protection of forests and biodiversity so that the natural beauty and ecological balance of the Valmikinagar region remain intact.The commissioner also highlighted the importance of promoting circuit tourism and religious tourism in the region. He said the VTR is connected with the Buddhist, Ramayan and Ram circuits, and improving tourist facilities would help attract a greater number of visitors to the area.