Vaishali: Vaishali, one of Bihar’s most historic districts, is now stepping into the spotlight once again. The district administration has identified 671 heritage sites under the “My Village – My Heritage” (MGMH) campaign of the Panchayati Raj Department. This special drive is being carried out at the panchayat level under the guidance of the District Magistrate. The aim is to protect Vaishali’s rich cultural past and give it a stronger place on Bihar’s tourism map. Officials say this effort will help people understand the true historical value of their own villages.
The campaign is not limited to famous monuments alone. Its main purpose is to find and record hidden and forgotten heritage places that were never officially recognised before. Through door-to-door surveys and local support, many unknown sites have now come to light. So far, the highest number of heritage sites has been found in Patepur block, where 136 locations have been recorded. Every site is being carefully documented and added to government records so that they can be protected in the future.
A special feature of this project is that it includes both world-famous landmarks and small local places that are important to village life. Along with the well-known Vaishali Stupa, the list also includes places like Baba Ganinath Temple, Palvaiya Dham, the ancient banyan tree in Majhauli village, and Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha. These places may not have been widely known earlier, but they have deep religious and social meaning for the local people. The campaign is helping to bring these stories to the world.
To make sure the work is done properly, officers at the block and panchayat levels have been given clear responsibilities. Block Development Officers, Panchayat Raj Officers, Panchayat Secretaries and local committees are all working together. They are being trained to survey, verify and record each site. The entire process is being monitored closely as per the time-bound plan of the Panchayati Raj Department.
This heritage drive is not just about saving old places; it is also about creating new opportunities. With more recognised heritage sites, Vaishali can attract tourists, researchers and students, which will help boost the local economy. The district administration believes that this campaign will protect Vaishali’s identity and support rural development. By connecting the past with the present, Vaishali is now preparing for a brighter future.
