Supaul: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited Supaul district on Tuesday as part of the ongoing Samriddhi Yatra, inspecting key infrastructure projects including the renovation of the Nirmali Ring Bund. The Chief Minister remotely inaugurated and laid the foundation for several major works, including repairs and road construction along the Western Embankment Division Nirmali, comprising the Sikarhatta-Majari Lower Bund, Dagmara Marginal Bund, and Nirmali Ghera Bund, with an investment of Rs 1721.97 lakh. Flood mitigation work along the Sursar River in Chhatapur and Triveniganj blocks, costing Rs 591.92 lakh, was also inaugurated.
Under the World Bank-supported Bihar Water Security and Irrigation Modernization Project, the Chief Minister oversaw the remote foundation laying and inauguration of the extended Sikarhatta-Majari Lower Bund, which includes bituminous road construction, restoration of seven existing studs, and construction of 13 new studs along a 12.275 km stretch. These upgrades are intended to improve water management and strengthen flood defences in the region.
During the visit, Nitish Kumar reviewed the progress of multiple development initiatives under the Pragatishil Yatra. Projects highlighted include the renovation of Supaul Stadium, beautification of Baba Tilheswarnath Temple, widening of the road from the temple to Sukharpur Market, construction of flyovers and bypass roads, the development of a new bus stand, and the establishment of a registration office at Virpur Subdivision headquarters. The Chief Minister emphasised timely completion of all projects, noting the Nirmali Ring Bund renovation has already improved flood safety for Nirmali town, historically prone to monsoon waterlogging.
At the Nirmali Sub-Divisional Office grounds, Nitish Kumar remotely inaugurated and laid foundations for 213 projects worth Rs 570 crore, including 129 projects costing Rs 135 crore and 84 projects costing Rs 335 crore. During the event, he distributed symbolic cheques and benefits under several schemes, including the Bihar Centenary Unorganized Sector Workers and Artisans Social Security Scheme, Bihar Student Credit Cards, the Skilled Youth Programme, Ayushman Cards, tricycles for persons with disabilities, and the Bihar Small Entrepreneur Scheme. More than 16,000 self-help groups received Rs 186.58 crore through bank linkages.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Ministers, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, MLA Aniruddh Prasad Yadav, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, DGP Vinay Kumar, and senior officials from the Water Resources Department, Koshi Division, and Supaul district administration.
