Nawada/Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday visited Rajauli block in Nawada district, reviewing educational, welfare, health and infrastructure projects, including a major floating solar plant and proposed industrial development zone.
At the Upgraded Higher Secondary (+2) School in Chiraila village, he interacted with students of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Boys Hostel and spoke with girl students receiving karate training. Urging them to “study diligently,” he told the children they were “the future of India” and assured them that the government would meet their needs.
Kumar reviewed several departmental stalls on the school campus and distributed symbolic cheques worth Rs 1.29 crore to 137 JEEViKA self-help groups. He praised the women for strengthening Bihar’s rural economy, while the beneficiaries thanked him for schemes improving financial independence and for increased pensions, subsidised electricity and expanded access to clean water.
Inspection of health facilities and welfare schemes
At the Health Sub-Centre-cum-Wellness Centre in Hardiya, the Chief Minister examined the availability of medicines, staffing and service delivery. Officials briefed him on telemedicine facilities and maternal health programmes under which pregnant women receive nutritional counselling and medical guidance. Beneficiaries also acknowledged the recent doubling of honorariums for physical education and health instructors.
Review of Phulwaria Reservoir projects: solar power, fisheries and industrial land
Kumar then inspected progress on a 10 MW floating solar plant being set up at the Phulwaria Reservoir by Suryam International. The project uses 30 acres of reservoir surface and will become Bihar’s largest floating solar installation once completed. Officials said the reservoir supplies filtered drinking water to fluoride-affected areas through the Rajauli Multi-Village Water Supply Scheme, benefiting 9,191 households.
He also reviewed a large-scale cage-based fish farming initiative, which has raised annual fish productivity to around 100 kg per hectare — far above the national average of 20 kg. Fisheries officials said reed and pen culture methods have transformed the reservoir into one of Bihar’s most productive inland sites.
The Chief Minister inspected 220 acres earmarked for industrial development, including 81 acres of government land and 139.48 acres of private land now under acquisition. Officials said the area’s connectivity and proximity to the reservoir make it suitable for future industrial investment.
Background on Phulwaria Reservoir
Located on the Tilaiya River, about 38 km from Nawada town, the Phulwaria Reservoir was constructed between 1979 and 1988. It spans 6.38 sq km, has 89 gates and provides irrigation across Rajauli, Sirdala and Narhat blocks through an extensive network of canals.
Surrounded by hills on three sides, the reservoir is also considered a potential tourism site.
Senior leaders accompany the Chief Minister
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, MLAs Vibha Devi, Vimal Rajvanshi and Vinita Mehta, along with senior officials including Magadh Division Commissioner Dr Safina A.N., IG Chhatranil Singh and Nawada District Magistrate Ravi Prakash, were present during the visit.
Officials said the Chief Minister’s review underscored the government’s focus on developing education, welfare services, renewable energy, fisheries and industrial growth in the Rajauli region.
