Bhabhua: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday inaugurated the Maa Mundeshwari Wildlife Eco Park in the Bhagwanpur block of Kaimur district, marking the launch of a major eco-tourism initiative. The park, developed at the base of Paura Hill by the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, spans over 13.6 acres and has been built at a cost of Rs. 10.4 crore. The Chief Minister planted saplings to raise awareness of the state’s Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign during the opening ceremony.
The park, adorned with lush greenery, features statues of wildlife, a bridge, fountains, a renovated Buddha Sarovar, and an open-air theatre with seating for up to 400 people. Other amenities include automatic irrigation sprinklers and night-time lighting, designed to attract tourists and boost eco-tourism in the region. In his speech, Nitish Kumar emphasised the role of such initiatives in preserving nature while promoting tourism.
In addition to the park’s inauguration, the Chief Minister remotely launched new tourist facilities at Telhar Kund Waterfall, located 30km from Bhabua. The site, where the waterfall cascades from a height of 500–600 feet, now offers upgraded amenities such as access paths, gazebos, parking, and viewpoints. The Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has invested Rs. 2.25 crore in the improvements.
Nitish Kumar also visited the historic Maa Mundeshwari Temple, situated atop Paura Hill and believed to be one of India’s oldest temples, dating back to 108 AD. Following his prayers, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Teera Pump Canal Scheme, designed to provide uninterrupted irrigation to local villages. He instructed officials to ensure the canal operates efficiently and supports agricultural activity.
The Chief Minister also inspected educational facilities, including the newly constructed Upgraded Middle School and Anganwadi Centre in Teera village, and interacted with students about their studies and the government’s educational schemes. Highlighting the importance of water conservation, Nitish Kumar urged residents to avoid water wastage, stressing the symbiotic relationship between water and greenery for sustainable life.
Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for 11 new police buildings in Kaimur district, a project costing Rs. 441.48 crore, and inaugurated a drinking water supply scheme for Bhabua and Mohania cities. He called for the timely completion of the project, ensuring that high-quality drinking water is made available to residents.
During the event, the Chief Minister also distributed symbolic cheques and approval letters under various welfare schemes, including the Student Credit Card Scheme, the Mukhyamantri Block Parivahan Yojana, and the Chief Minister Kanya Utthan Scheme. Beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Scheme and Jeevika Self Help Groups also received support during the visit.
