Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, during the second phase of his Pragati Yatra, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 127 development projects in Siwan district, amounting to Rs 109 crore. The projects include 122 completed schemes worth Rs 83.47 crore and five new schemes for which Rs 25.38 crore have been allocated.
During his visit, the Chief Minister inspected the proposed Siwan Bypass at Narayanpur village in Pachrukhi block. Officials presented a detailed map of the 13.80 km bypass, which will connect NH-531 and NH-227A, including a road-over-bridge (ROB). Kumar directed officials to expedite the project to alleviate traffic congestion in the area.
As part of the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, the Chief Minister inspected a beautified pond in Karhanu village, Hussainganj block. He released fish seeds and instructed the construction of a stepped ghat for public convenience. Highlighting the initiative, he said the state government has focused on renovating public water bodies, including ponds and wells, since 2019 to promote sustainability and community use.
Kumar also reviewed services at the Anganwadi Center and Additional Primary Health Center in Karhanu village. He inspected facilities such as the OPD and telemedicine rooms. Highlighting the state’s healthcare progress, he stated that free medicines have been provided in all government hospitals since 2006, improving access to healthcare for citizens.
At the Upgraded Middle School in Karhanu, the Chief Minister inaugurated a public playground built under MNREGA for Rs 8.74 lakh. He also unveiled a stone plaque for the MNREGA Haat in Karhanu Bazaar, constructed at a cost of Rs 7.18 lakh. During his visit to the Panchayat Government Building in Machkana, he examined facilities such as the Sarpanch Court and library.
The Chief Minister interacted with Jeevika self-help group members, distributing a symbolic cheque of Rs 51 crore under various livelihood schemes. He also handed over e-rickshaw keys, bank linkage cheques worth Rs 101 crore, and other benefits to 3.51 lakh Jeevika members. Kumar commended the women for their entrepreneurial efforts, stating that Jeevika has empowered 1.31 crore women across Bihar since its inception in 2006.
In Jiradei block, Kumar inaugurated the newly constructed Government Backward Class Girls Residential Plus Two High School, which has 520 seats. After planting saplings in the school courtyard, he inspected the building and discussed its facilities with officials.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the widening and strengthening work of the Siwan-Andar Path, a 16.25 km road, and the Chhapra-Manjhi-Darouli-Guthni Path, spanning 72.18 km at a cost of Rs 701.25 crore. Officials updated him on the progress of these projects aimed at improving regional connectivity.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including ministers Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Mangal Pandey, and Renu Devi, as well as senior officials such as Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, and District Magistrate Mukul Kumar Gupta. Other public representatives and local officers were also present to mark the occasion.
