Raipur: In a major push to position itself as a global ecotourism destination, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department has unveiled an ambitious plan to develop a world-class 350-acre Botanical Garden in Nava Raipur and redevelop the iconic Nandan-Van in Raipur through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, and employment generation while showcasing Chhattisgarh’s rich natural and cultural heritage. As part of the project, the Forest Department has invited private investment for ecotourism and eco-friendly infrastructure on non-forest land under its administrative control.
High-Level Meeting Held with National Investors
To kick-start the initiative, the Forest Department convened a high-level meeting with leading national investors at Aranya Bhavan on July 6.
The discussions focused on attracting private participation under the state’s PPP policy and gathering suggestions for developing world-class ecotourism infrastructure while maintaining ecological sustainability.
Officials said the initiative is designed to leverage private expertise and investment to create environmentally responsible tourism destinations that can generate long-term economic benefits for local communities.
350-Acre Botanical Garden Planned in Nava Raipur
The centrepiece of the initiative is the proposed Nava Raipur Botanical Garden, spread across 350 acres near the existing Jungle Safari.
The Forest Department plans to develop the facility to international standards, making it one of India’s premier botanical and ecological tourism destinations.
Several attractions are being considered for the project, including:
- Eco-friendly luxury hotel resorts
- Military Heritage Museum
- Musical fountain shows
- Water-world attractions
- Nature-based recreational facilities
The project also proposes dedicated spaces for:
- Bastar art and handicraft outlets
- Local artisans’ marketplace
- Organic farmers’ market
These initiatives are expected to promote Chhattisgarh’s indigenous culture while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local artisans and farming communities.
Nandan-Van to Get Modern Makeover
Alongside the Botanical Garden, the government plans to completely rejuvenate Nandan-Van, the historic 43-acre recreational park located on the Raipur-Bhilai Road.
The redevelopment project will focus on wellness, family recreation, and eco-friendly tourism.
Proposed facilities include:
- A modern aviary featuring exotic bird species
- Ayurveda wellness and herbal products centre
- Open-air event venue
- Dedicated children’s sports and play zone
- Enhanced landscaping and visitor amenities
The makeover aims to restore Nandan-Van’s popularity while transforming it into a modern recreational destination for residents and tourists alike.
Inspired by World-Class Botanical Gardens
Officials said the project draws inspiration from some of the world’s most renowned botanical gardens and eco-tourism destinations.
Among the international and national models being studied are:
- Seychelles National Botanical Garden
- Bogor Botanical Gardens, Indonesia
- Brindavan Gardens, Mysuru
The objective is to adopt global best practices in landscape design, biodiversity conservation, visitor experience, and sustainable tourism infrastructure.
Investors Praise Innovative PPP Initiative
Representatives from leading investment firms who attended the meeting welcomed the Forest Department’s vision and described it as a pioneering initiative.
According to participants, this is among the first instances in the country where a government department has proposed such an integrated ecotourism development programme under the PPP model, combining environmental conservation with sustainable tourism and private sector participation.
The investors also offered suggestions for enhancing the project, which senior Forest Department officials assured would be examined while preparing the final master plan.
Balancing Conservation with Development
Chhattisgarh possesses nearly 44 per cent forest cover, making it one of India’s most forest-rich states.
The state government aims to utilise this natural advantage to promote eco-friendly tourism, generate employment, and strengthen the rural economy without compromising ecological sustainability.
Officials emphasised that all proposed developments will be undertaken on non-forest land under the department’s administrative control, ensuring that environmental conservation remains a central objective of the project.
Towards a Global Ecotourism Destination
With world-class tourism infrastructure, international design standards, and active private sector participation, the initiative is expected to significantly enhance Chhattisgarh’s tourism profile.
Beyond attracting domestic and international visitors, the project seeks to create a sustainable model of ecotourism that supports biodiversity conservation, local livelihoods, cultural promotion, and green economic growth.
If implemented as envisioned, the Botanical Garden and Nandan-Van redevelopment could emerge as flagship projects, helping establish Chhattisgarh as one of India’s leading ecotourism destinations.
