By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Bihar Urban Development and Housing Minister Nitin Nabin announced the construction of a 2.5-kilometre-long riverfront along the Ganga at Digha Ghat. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently under preparation. Speaking at the inauguration of the Sanjha Utsav fair on the Ganga bank at Ghat No. 93 on Thursday, the minister highlighted that the riverfront from the Collectorate Ghat to the city is already completed. Plans are now underway to extend the riverfront to the western area, which is also emerging as a popular picnic spot.
MLA Dr Sanjeev Chaurasia had been consistently advocating for a riverfront in the Digha area. Minister Nabin assured that construction would commence once the DPR is finalised.
During the event, the minister visited stalls, interacted with entrepreneurial women, and explored the products on display. He also enjoyed local delicacies such as Ghughni-Chudha. He remarked that fairs like Sanjha Utsav not only provide a platform for artisans but also encourage entrepreneurship among women.
The Sanjha Utsav fair features over 70 stalls, primarily showcasing products by women entrepreneurs. On the first day, 17 stalls displayed various handmade items. Post the conclusion of the Saras Mela, additional stalls will be set up from Friday. The fair also includes a food court, activity zone, selfie zone, and cultural stage. Visitors relished delectable dishes while enjoying songs and musical performances. The fair, organised under the National Urban Livelihood Mission, will continue until 31 December.
Mayor Protests Ministerial Interference
Patna Mayor Sita Sahu chose not to attend the Sanjha Utsav inauguration, citing dissatisfaction with Minister Nitin Nabin’s perceived interference in the Patna Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction. The mayor stated that while the corporation carries out numerous tasks, such as preparing the Ganga ghats for Chhath and installing street lights, the department has not provided adequate funds.
She further alleged that the minister and the Municipal Commissioner, Animesh Kumar Parashar, were jointly managing the corporation’s affairs without adequate cooperation. The mayor pointed out that she had obtained a stay order from the Patna High Court regarding a notification that she claimed infringed on the municipal body’s autonomy.
Attempts to contact Minister Nabin for his response were unsuccessful. The event was attended by MLAs Dr Sanjeev Chaurasia and Arun Kumar Sinha, Deputy Mayor Reshmi Chandravanshi, and folk singer Neetu Navgeet.
