Patna: Tourism minister Nitish Mishra on Wednesday informed the legislative council that the state govt was working on a plan to promote religious, eco, and adventure tourism in the state. He said that post-Covid, religious tourism has emerged as a major potential.
Replying to a short-notice question by Ajay Kumar Singh and a starred question by Sarvesh Kumar, the minister said the state govt has submitted a proposal to the Centre to develop three tourist spots, including Matsyagandha Lake and Valmiki Nagar, which is aligned with Union govt’s plan for the development of iconic tourist centres.
He said the govt plans to develop Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa at the cost of Rs 98.66 crore and spend another Rs 96 crore to develop ecotourism in Valmiki Nagar. At the same time, the state govt has sanctioned Rs 120 crore to acquire 50 acres of land for Punaura Dham, the birthplace of Goddess Sita, in Sitamarhi.
He said the govt was making efforts to improve facilities for tourists by developing historical, religious, and cultural sites, constructing hotels, arranging better communication facilities at tourist centres, and constructing water sports and rope ways.
At the same time, the state govt has launched the Mukhya Mantri Home Stay/Bed and Breakfast Promotion Scheme, which covers 29 tourist spots under 15 districts, the minister said. He added the govt is also identifying important spots in every block with the help of common people under “Mera Prakhand, Mera Gaurav.”