Bettiah: The Bihar government has launched an ambitious plan to conserve and redevelop the historical estate of Bettiah Raj, with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), New Delhi, tasked with preparing a comprehensive master plan. The initiative aims to balance heritage conservation with infrastructure development across the region.
At a seminar held at the Collectorate Auditorium in Bettiah on Wednesday, Chaitanya Prasad, Chairman of the Bihar Revenue Board, emphasised the cultural significance of Bettiah Raj and outlined the government’s commitment to preserving its legacy while putting the land to modern public use.
“The land of Bettiah Raj has a glorious history, which will be preserved and put to modern use under the integrated development model,” said Prasad. He added that following the state government’s acquisition of Bettiah Raj properties in November 2024 under a legislative Act, the process of framing rules and policies is underway.
Several government departments have already sought portions of the land for public infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, police stations, and industrial facilities. In response, the NIUA is developing a coordinated master plan that prioritises public interest and sustainable development.
The plan also includes provisions for heritage conservation, ensuring that the cultural and historical value of Bettiah Raj is retained even as new infrastructure is built. NIUA presented a roadmap outlining upcoming actions and initiatives in this direction.
To ensure timely implementation, four key meetings are scheduled over the next 100 days at both state and district levels. These sessions will focus on inter-departmental coordination and initiating development work on the ground.
