Patna: The Bihar government has approved administrative sanction for a Rs 24.28 crore scheme aimed at developing and modernising tourist facilities at the historic Sonpur Mela site in Saran district.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary said the plan, approved under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0’s CBDD sub-scheme, will transform the mela into a digital and eco-sensitive tourism destination, with a view to boosting tourism, employment and rural economic activity.
The project includes construction of a new entrance gate, marketplace, road widening, improved connectivity to the ghat, parking areas and a shuttle service. Green initiatives such as a plastic-free fair area, waste management systems, solar energy usage and environmental awareness campaigns will also be implemented.
On the digital front, tourists will be able to access services such as a dedicated mobile app for the fair, cashless payments, smart parking and virtual darshan.
Samrat said the fair has witnessed a steady increase in tourist footfall due to state efforts, and the new upgrades will help improve the overall visitor experience while also generating new business opportunities and additional government revenue.
The month- long Sonpur Mela, held every year around Kartik Purnima, at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers, is regarded as Asia’s largest animal fair.
