Bihar Deputy CM Approves Rs 24.28 Crore Development Scheme for Sonpur Mela Site Modernization

Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Samrat Choudhary informed that administrative approval has been given to a scheme of Rs 24.28 crore for the development and modernization of tourist facilities at Sonpur Mela site, Saran.

Mr. Choudhary informed that the scheme of Sonpur Mela Vikas has been approved under the sub-scheme (CBDD) of Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0. This will promote local employment and economic activities in rural areas.

He said that the government is developing Sonpur Mela as a digital and eco-sensitive site not only for the country but also for global tourism.

Mr. Choudhary informed that under this scheme, entrance gate, market construction, road widening, connectivity to the ghat, parking and shuttle service will be developed.

He said that in the new format, work will also be done on green initiatives like plastic free fair area, waste management, solar energy and environmental awareness campaign. At the same time, under the digital initiative, services like Mela mobile app, cashless payment, virtual darshan and smart parking will be created. Mr. Chaudhary said that the Sonpur fair site in Saran district of Bihar is an important tourist destination, where a large number of tourists come. Due to the efforts of the government, the number of tourists is constantly increasing here.

He said that the overall development of the fair site will provide high quality facilities to the visiting tourists, new business opportunities will be created and the government will also get revenue.

It is noteworthy that a month-long fair is held every year on Kartik Purnima (5 November this year) in the autumn at the confluence of the Ganga-Gandak river in Sonpur. It is considered to be the largest animal fair in Asia. This fair has been famous for the purchase and sale of elephants, horses, cows, bulls and other animals.