By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Bihar government is preparing special tour packages for Chhath Mahaparva, aimed at providing tourists with an immersive experience of the significance of this festival. Tourists visiting Bihar will be taken on a statewide tour, showcasing the cultural and religious importance of Chhath. The number of tourists visiting the state has been steadily increasing. Last year, 5.46 lakh foreign tourists visited Bihar, and by July this year, the figure had already reached 2.67 lakh. In light of this, the Tourism Department is focused on improving facilities for visitors, according to Tourism Minister Nitish Mishra, who shared the information during a press conference on Friday.
The Minister highlighted that the government is investing in the development of tourist sites with a budget of approximately ₹510 crore, of which ₹135 crore has already been approved. Modernisation work will soon begin, and in the coming days, hotels under the Tourism Corporation will also be upgraded. Currently, improved facilities are being provided at Corporation-run hotels in Buxar, Kaimur, and Sitamarhi. Additionally, tenders will soon be issued for the construction of three five-star hotels in Patna.
Mishra also revealed that a special development plan for Punauradham, the birthplace of Sita, has been initiated. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding its connectivity, and work is underway to acquire 50 acres of land for this purpose, with funds already approved. Furthermore, enhanced facilities are being arranged for devotees attending the Pitru Paksha fair in Gaya.
The Minister announced the launch of the “Mera Block, Mera Gaurav” competition from 2nd October, encouraging locals to write about the key attractions of their respective blocks, with rewards for the winners.
In addition, work on the ropeway projects in Rohtasgarh and Mundeshwari is set to begin soon, following delays due to awaiting clearance from the Forest Department, which has now been granted.
Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh noted that the state’s new tourism policy will encourage private investment by offering capital subsidies based on the amount of investment. Incentives will be provided for various types of hotels and tourist amenities. He also shared that a Dharamshala is being constructed in Gaya at a cost of ₹120 crore, while ₹11.89 crore is being spent on the development of Dekul Dham in Sheohar, ₹10.22 crore on Khanqah Mujibia, ₹10.78 crore on Garhi Dam in Jamui, and ₹9.53 crore on the development of Dev Sun Temple.
