Citizen forum suggests measures to attract international tourists in Gaya, Bodh Gaya

Gaya: The Bodh Gaya Citizen Forum (BGCF), also known as Nagrik Vikas Manch, has submitted a memorandum to state tourism secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh through Gaya district magistrate Shashank Shubhankar.

BGCF president Suresh Singh said the memorandum, submitted earlier this week, urges the state govt to take steps to develop Bodh Gaya into a global hub for spiritual and medical tourism. Highlighting the Mahabodhi Mahavihara — a Unesco World Heritage Site — as a unique spiritual asset, he said the city requires long-term planning to attract more international pilgrims and tourists.

Among key recommendations, the forum proposed expanding the Mahavihara complex towards the north where govt land is available. It also suggested creating a direct link between the Mahavihara and the Niranjana river on the eastern side, along with developing a large meditation park and a Mahabodhi Ghat near the river. To ensure year-round water flow, it recommended constructing bridge-cum-check dams near Mocharim and Amwan.

The forum also proposed improving road connectivity between Gaya airport, the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, Sujata village, Dungeshwari Hills, Muchalinda Sarovar and NH-83, besides creating pedestrian pathways and cycling tracks along major pilgrimage routes. It further suggested developing a “Seven Places of Buddha” showcasing key events from Buddha’s life, along with replicas of important Buddhist monuments from around the world to attract international visitors.

At Dungeshwari, where Buddha is believed to have meditated for six years before attaining enlightenment, the forum proposed installing a large statue depicting his ascetic phase. It also called for setting up an international-standard Buddhist Medical College and Hospital in Bodh Gaya.

BGCF vice-president Hasimul Haque and general secretary Satish Sinha said the memorandum also flagged challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation, safety concerns, limited digital services and weak tourism branding.