Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Saturday asked water resources department officials to prepare a special action plan to revive the historical identity of ancient Patliputra, while placing the development of the Ganga riverfront at the centre of Patna’s future growth.Chairing a review meeting of the department at Sankalp Sabhagar in Lok Sewak Awas, Samrat asked officials to prepare a detailed plan for the comprehensive development of the Ganga riverbank from Kurji Ghat to Kali Ghat and expand public amenities along the J P Ganga Path.He directed officials to complete the target of planting one lakh saplings along the J P Ganga Path at the earliest. Describing the corridor as more than just an infrastructure project, he said it should be developed into a major hub for tourism, recreation and cultural activities.“The J P Ganga Path has the potential to become a new identity of Patna and attract tourists,” he said.Samrat also asked officials to examine the feasibility of adopting the public-private partnership (PPP) and design, build, operate and maintain (DBOM) models for the operation and maintenance of water resources department inspection bungalows. He said a policy should be framed to convert them into modern guest houses for better utilisation of departmental assets.Describing Bihar’s historical heritage, cultural legacy and the Ganga riverfront as invaluable assets, Samrat stressed the need for their conservation and development. He called for a coordinated plan to develop major tourist destinations and ensure wider dissemination of accurate information about them to attract visitors from across India and abroad.The chief minister said the glorious legacy of Patliputra must be preserved and presented to future generations and tourists through coordinated efforts among departments. He directed officials to prepare an integrated development plan, including a comprehensive park, for the Kurji Ghat-Kali Ghat stretch.Earlier, water resources department secretary Chandra Shekhar Singh gave a presentation on departmental assets, Ganga riverfront development and tourism-related proposals.
