A project worth about Rs 3500 crore has been prepared to promote religious tourism in Gayaji and Bodh Gaya in Bihar. Under this, corridors, four ropeways, riverfront and passenger facilities will be developed. The project report has been sent to the Central Government.
Gayaji: Preparations are underway to change the face of Bihar's famous religious and tourist destinations Gayaji and Bodhgaya. Like Kashi and Ayodhya, there is a plan to develop new facilities for devotees and tourists here too. The detailed proposal of Gayaji Corridor Project worth about Rs 3500 crore has been sent to the Central Government. Along with this, there are also preparations to take forward the work on the development of four ropeways, riverside tourism facilities, Dharamshala and Gandhi Maidan.
3500 crore project will change the face of Gayaji
Bihar Assembly Speaker Dr. Prem Kumar held a meeting with senior officials of the Tourism Department on Monday. In this, the ongoing and proposed development schemes in Gayaji and Bodhgaya were reviewed.
Officials told in the meeting that the detailed project report (DPR) of the Gayaji Corridor project worth about Rs 3500 crore has been sent to the central government.
In this plan, there is a proposal to widen the roads around Gayaji Dham, increase the parking system and develop necessary facilities for the devotees. Besides, a plan to cover Manasrava drain is also included.
Every year a large number of devotees come to Gayaji to perform Pind Daan and religious rituals. In such a situation, better transportation and parking arrangements can make it easier for people to reach temples and ghats.
Plan to keep water in Falgu river throughout the year
The Falgu river of Gayaji has religious significance. The devotees coming here perform Pind Daan and other religious activities on the ghats of the river. However, the problem of not having enough water in the river throughout the year has persisted for a long time.
To overcome this, a plan has been made to provide water to Falgu river throughout the year by bringing water from Son river. This is expected to provide convenience to people coming to perform religious rituals.
There is also a proposal to develop the 8.6 km long river bank from Gayaji to Bodhgaya for tourism. Here, instructions have been given to demarcate the land and stop encroachment to develop facilities related to the riverfront.
Six plans for Mahabodhi Corridor in Bodhgaya
The facilities around the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya will also be improved. Six schemes have been prepared for this.
These include improvement in roads and traffic system, development of Virasat Haat, parking, restaurants and Jaiprakash Udyan. Apart from this, there is a plan to prepare separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
It has also been proposed to develop a link road and ghat from the Mahabodhi Temple to the river. The Assembly Speaker told the officials that participation of local people should also be ensured in these schemes.
Preparation to build ropeway at four places, instructions to speed up the work
Four ropeway projects are being worked on to ease access to Gayaji and surrounding hill religious sites.
The progress of Dungeshwari, Brahmayoni, Pretshila and Wanavar ropeway projects was reviewed in the meeting. Dr. Prem Kumar asked the officials to expedite these works and report the current situation.
Devotees have to travel through hilly roads to these places. With the facility of ropeway, darshan can be easy especially for the elderly and the passengers having difficulty in walking.
Development of 1080 bed Dharamshala and other tourist places
Emphasis has also been laid on increasing the accommodation facilities for the devotees coming to Gayaji. Officials were instructed to complete the construction of Dharamshala with a capacity of 1080 beds within the stipulated time.
Apart from this, the development of Muchlind Sarovar was also reviewed. It has been asked to prepare a joint development plan for religious and historical places like Kapildhara, Matangvapi, Dharmaranya, Sitakund, Maa Mangalagauri and Gurpa.
It was also suggested to conduct a survey of the historical property of Tikari Maharaj in the Gautam Buddha Sanctuary area. After the survey, possibilities of developing it as a tourist center or hotel will be considered.
Park and new facilities for children will be built in Gandhi Maidan
There are preparations to improve Gayaji's Gandhi Maidan also. In the second phase of development, facilities like boundary walls, greenery, fountains, open exercise areas and parks for children will be created.
To store water in the pond of the grounds throughout the year, it has been suggested to bring rain water from the surrounding hills through an underground pipeline. For this, it was asked to inspect in collaboration with the Water Resources Department.
Apart from this, instructions have also been given to pay attention to repairing faulty lights, replacing dry plants and regular cleaning of the grounds.
Local people hope for employment due to increase in tourism
Local businesses are also expected to benefit from the development of Gayaji and Bodhgaya. Employment opportunities may increase in hotels, restaurants, transport, small shops and other tourism related work.
In the meeting, there was also discussion on connecting livelihood groups and local institutions with the operation of tourist places. This can increase the chances of women and local youth getting work.
However, many schemes are currently in various stages of proposal, review and construction. The timeline for their completion has not been specified for all the projects.
At present the report of Gayaji Corridor has been sent to the Central Government. The actual benefits of these schemes will reach the devotees and local people only after further approvals and construction related processes are completed.