Patna: Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Monday expressed strong displeasure over the slow pace of renovation and tourism development works at the Thawe Durga Temple complex during a review meeting held to assess the progress of the project.
The ambitious redevelopment initiative is being executed under the State Plan and aims to transform the temple complex into a major religious and tourism destination.
During the review, the Chief Secretary observed that despite the expiry of the approved implementation timeline, progress on the ground remained “highly unsatisfactory”.
Engineers Ordered to Be Repatriated
Taking a stern view of the delays, Pratyaya Amrit directed that the services of the Executive Engineer and Assistant Engineer associated with the project be immediately repatriated to their parent departments.
Officials said the action was taken over alleged failure to properly monitor the project and ensure timely execution of work.
Contractor Issued Final Warning
The Chief Secretary also issued strict instructions to the contractor executing the project to immediately improve both the pace and quality of construction work.
According to officials, the contractor was warned that:
- Failure to show visible progress within the stipulated timeframe
- Failure to increase manpower deployment
could result in:
- Termination of the contract agreement
- Legal proceedings
- Blacklisting
Three-Month Deadline Set
Pratyaya Amrit directed that all pending construction and beautification work within the temple complex be completed within the next three months.
The Chief Secretary said delays or compromises in quality would not be tolerated in a project linked to one of Bihar’s major religious centres.
Progress Report Presented During Review
Officials presented a detailed status report on various components of the “Development and Renovation of the Thawe Temple Complex” project.
According to the review report:
- Administrative approval of Rs 2,897 lakh has been granted for the project
- Agreements worth Rs 2,416.59 lakh have been executed
Shops and Public Facilities Nearing Completion
The project includes construction of 200 shops for local vendors.
Officials stated:
- Work on 113 shops has been fully completed
- Construction of another 28 shops has reached 65% completion
Meanwhile:
- Pond development work stands at 50%
- Public amenities work has reached 95% completion
Authorities said work was currently underway on:
- Fountain installation
- Retaining walls
- Granite work around pond-side seating areas
Several Components Lagging Behind
The review also highlighted delays in multiple components of the project.
According to officials:
- Children’s Park work remains stalled at 50%
- Pedestrian walkway construction has reached only 20%
- Laser Light and Sound Show project stands at 15% completion
The Chief Secretary took particular exception to the fact that external electrification work remained at 0% completion and ordered its immediate commencement.
Weekly Monitoring Ordered
In his concluding remarks, Pratyaya Amrit said the Thawe Temple held immense religious significance in Bihar and that negligence in its development would not be accepted.
Officials said senior Tourism Department officers would now conduct weekly monitoring of the project.
The Chief Secretary is also expected to personally inspect the site in the near future.
