CM inspects progress of Kesariya tourism project in East Champaran

Motihari: Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday reviewed the progress of tourist facility centre, museum, and meeting hall being constructed at the Kesariya Stupa premises in East Champaran district. He directed the officials concerned to ensure timely completion of the project, which aims to offer improved facilities for foreign and domestic tourists and boost the local economy.The CM had laid the foundation stone for the project on the western side of the Buddha Stupa on Dec 25, 2024, during his Pragati Yatra. The tourist facilitation centre is being developed at a cost of Rs17 crore. The CM, accompanied by his deputies Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, inspected the site and obtained a progress report from officials, stressing that the work must meet quality standards and be completed within the stipulated timeframe.“The state govt’s objective is not merely to construct structures but also to create an environment that can transform Kesariya into an international tourist hub. The completion of this project will boost the local economy and generate employment, leading to an increase in regional trade as well,” the CM said.After inspecting the project, the CM visited the tallest Buddha Stupa, where preservation work on valuable artefacts is underway. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated the stupa in 1998, and a team of ASI officials discovered it under the leadership of K K Muhammed, then superintending archaeologist of the Patna circle.“Bihar has the privilege of housing the tallest excavated stupa in the world. But even after 25 years, only about 35% of the stupa has been excavated due to lack of proper attention from the govt and paucity of funds,” said a senior ASI official who accompanied the CM during the inspection.Later, the CM’s convoy reached Tajpur High School, where he interacted with a group of rural women and Jivika didis. During the interaction, he said education, awareness, and participation are the most important strengths of rural life. He added that from policy-making to social upliftment, women play a foundational role in ensuring the state’s progress.He also visited the Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls’ School. Impressed by the rangoli created by students and their artistic abilities, he praised them and said educating daughters has the power to change both the direction and destiny of society.Nitish’s final halt was at the wellness centre in Tajpur village, where he conducted a surprise inspection of medical facilities, essential medicines, and arrangements for patients. He instructed doctors to ensure there is no shortage of medicines or health services in rural areas. “Primary health services are the first line of support for the public, and it is the govt’s duty to ensure that this support remains strong,” he said.During the CM’s visit, education minister Sunil Kumar, senior ministers, local MLAs, and govt officials were also present.