Patna: The Bihar government has announced plans to develop eight dam and reservoir sites across the state as tourist destinations, in a move it says will promote sustainable tourism and generate local employment.
In a statement issued on Monday, the state’s water resources department said the initiative would be implemented in line with the national strategy on developing dams as sustainable and responsible tourism destinations framed by India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The sites identified for development include the Durgawati Reservoir, Valmikinagar Barrage, Gangaji Rajgriha Reservoir, Kharagpur Lake, Kundaghat Reservoir, Garhi (Upper Kiul) Reservoir, Morve Reservoir, Odhani Dam and Phulwaria Dam.
According to the department, a high-level steering committee chaired by the chief secretary of Bihar has been constituted to oversee the project. The water resources department has been designated as the nodal agency and will act as member secretary of the panel.
Officials said the committee will coordinate with a range of departments, including tourism, environment and forests, energy, home, public health engineering, art and culture, road construction and rural works, to prepare detailed action plans for the development, operation and maintenance of each site.
The government said the initiative aims to institutionalise dam tourism in Bihar and strengthen the state’s presence on the national tourism map. Under the central policy framework, emphasis is to be placed on environmentally sustainable infrastructure, community participation and ensuring the safety of both visitors and dam structures.
The department added that the project is expected to help preserve the natural surroundings of the reservoirs, promote water-based recreational activities and create employment opportunities for local communities.
