Bihar Approves ₹120.59 Crore for Land Acquisition to Develop Punauradham as Tourist Destination

Chirag Gupta

Patna: The Tourism Department of Bihar has received administrative approval from the State Council of Ministers for ₹120,58,67,175 (one hundred twenty crore fifty-eight lakh sixty-seven thousand one hundred seventy-five rupees) to acquire 50.50 acres of land in Sitamarhi district. This initiative aims to enhance tourism infrastructure around Punauradham, the birthplace of Mother Janaki, and to develop new facilities to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

Tourism Minister Nitish Mishra highlighted that Punauradham attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad each year. He noted that since the establishment of the Ramjanmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya Dham, there has been a notable rise in pilgrims visiting Punauradham, as it is part of the Ramayana Circuit. The planned infrastructure enhancements are expected to further boost tourism in the region, solidifying Punauradham’s status on India’s religious tourism map.

To improve the visitor experience and cater to rising demand, the state has proposed developing various tourism facilities around the temple. The expansion will focus on providing better amenities for devotees, including lodging, recreational spaces, and other essential services. The acquisition of land marks a critical step forward in this development.

The Sitamarhi District Magistrate submitted a proposal on October 16, 2024, identifying the required 50.50 acres of land. With this allocation, the Tourism Department intends to transform Punauradham into a major religious and cultural tourist destination.

Minister Mishra extended his gratitude to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Council of Ministers for their support, expressing confidence that this decision will elevate Punauradham as a prominent spiritual landmark in Bihar and beyond.