Patna: State environment, forest and climate change minister Pramod Kumar has approved a series of major infrastructure and conservation proposals, including new residential complexes for zoo personnel and Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers, along with significant expansions aimed at boosting eco-tourism, particularly at the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR).The department has sanctioned Rs 10 crore for a new residential complex for staff at the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Patna. The existing quarters for forest guards and grade IV employees are in severely dilapidated condition, and the new project aims to address this by constructing five G+3 buildings to provide 30 new flats over a 2,276 square metre built-up area. Another proposal was cleared for a G+5 building with 15 officers’ flats for senior IFS cadre officers within the Aranya Bhawan complex, at an approved expenditure of Rs 21 crore.In a major push to promote tourism, especially at the state’s only tiger reserve, a proposal was also approved for a modern eco-tourism camp with 30 new rooms in the Valmikinagar Eco-Tourism Zone. The upgraded camp is expected to enhance visitor facilities, accommodate the rising number of tourists, and increase revenue for the Valmiki Tiger Reserve Foundation. The VTR, an ecological hotspot spread across 898 square kilometres, is home to 53 mammal species, 145 bird species and 26 reptile species.To further strengthen wildlife security, conservation and modern management practices within the VTR, the minister also approved the purchase of 8 new safari vehicles at a cost of Rs 3 crore. These include 6 additional vehicles for jungle safaris and 2 special safari vehicles meant for VIP guests.