Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary chaired a high-level review meeting of the Water Resources Department in Patna on June 13, 2026. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister (CM) Samrat Choudhary on Saturday stressed that state’s historical heritage, cultural legacy and the Ganga riverfront are invaluable assets that must be preserved and developed, while ensuring they are effectively promoted to attract tourists from across India and abroad.
He was speaking at a high-level review meeting of the Water Resources Department held at the ‘Sankalp Sabhagar’ in the Lok Sevak Awas. During the meeting, Department Secretary Dr Chandrashekhar Singh made a detailed presentation on better utilisation of departmental assets, the current status and use of irrigation inspection buildings, and plans for the development of the Ganga riverfront along with the state’s historical and tourism potential.
The Chief Minister directed officials to swiftly complete the target of planting one lakh saplings along the JP Ganga Path. He emphasised the need to prepare an integrated action plan for the development of major tourist destinations across the state. He also called for wider dissemination of accurate and detailed information about these sites so that more visitors can explore Bihar’s rich legacy.
Highlighting the importance of reviving the historic identity of Pataliputra, Samrat Choudhary said its glorious past must be presented effectively to both the younger generation and tourists. He urged departments to work in coordination and design special schemes to achieve this goal.
He further instructed that the JP Ganga Path should be developed not merely as an infrastructure project but as a hub for tourism, recreation and cultural activities. According to him, the project has the potential to become a new identity for Patna and attract large numbers of visitors.
The Chief Minister also asked officials to explore Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Design, Build, Operate and Maintain (DBOM) models for the operation and maintenance of irrigation inspection buildings. He suggested converting these into well-equipped guest houses with modern facilities and framing a clear policy to ensure optimal utilisation of departmental assets.
Describing the development of the Ganga riverfront as a key component of the state’s long-term growth strategy, the Chief Minister directed the preparation of an integrated development plan from Kurji Ghat to Kali Ghat. He said the project should be prioritised and developed into a major attraction for both residents and tourists, with expanded public infrastructure, green spaces and civic amenities.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to ensure time-bound implementation of all proposals and complete the work at the earliest.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, Secretaries Lokesh Kumar Singh and Sanjay Kumar Singh, Water Resources Department Secretary Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, Managing Director of BUDCO Animesh Parashar, Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena, and Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited Managing Director Shirsat Kapil Ashok, among others.
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