Patna: The Bihar government is set to establish a dedicated wing for the conservation of archaeological sites as part of efforts to preserve the state’s historical heritage and strengthen the management of heritage projects.
The decision was discussed during a review meeting chaired by Pranav Kumar, Secretary of the Building Construction Department, on June 11. The meeting assessed schemes of the Art and Culture Department being executed by the Building Construction Department and the Bihar State Building Construction Corporation Limited.
The review covered both heritage conservation initiatives and the progress of ongoing cultural infrastructure projects across Bihar.
Focus on Cultural Infrastructure
Officials informed the meeting that construction of Atal Kala Bhawans, each with a seating capacity of 620, is progressing in districts including Araria, Bhabhua, Buxar, Nawada, Siwan and Sheikhpura. The projects are expected to be completed within the scheduled timeframe.
Construction of auditoriums with a seating capacity of 630 is underway in Banka and Lakhisarai. Finishing work is currently being carried out at the Lakhisarai auditorium.
The meeting was also informed that work on a 2,000-seat auditorium in Muzaffarpur is targeted for completion by November. The Secretary directed engineers to maintain quality standards throughout the construction process.
Review of Heritage Conservation Projects
The review included conservation work at the Ahilya Sthan monument in Darbhanga, restoration activities at the Begusarai Museum, and the development of tourism-related facilities at the Lal Pahari archaeological site in Lakhisarai.
Discussions were also held on the conservation and development of 56 archaeological sites spread across 26 districts of Bihar.
Other projects reviewed during the meeting included the Nepali Mandir, the proposed new museum building intended to replace the Narad Museum, and various beautification and preservation initiatives at archaeological locations.
Dedicated Wing for Archaeological Preservation
Emphasising the importance of protecting historical structures, the Secretary directed senior officials to initiate the formation of a specialised wing for archaeological conservation.
According to officials, the proposed unit will seek expert guidance to ensure that restoration and conservation work preserves the original character and authenticity of heritage structures.
The Secretary also instructed that engineers involved in such projects receive specialised training in heritage conservation techniques.
Quality and Timely Completion Stressed
The meeting also reviewed maintenance arrangements at the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum and Smriti Stupa.
Pranav Kumar directed officials to ensure that all projects are completed within stipulated timelines without compromising quality. He stressed the importance of proper maintenance of museums and instructed authorities to take action against contractors responsible for delays in pending projects.
He reiterated that there would be no compromise on construction quality under any circumstances.
Senior officials from the Building Construction Department and the Art, Culture and Youth Department attended the meeting, while Executive Engineers participated through video conferencing.
