- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Thu, 08 May 2025 05:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a significant step toward water resource management and environmental conservation, Bihar Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Sanjay Sarawagi on Wednesday inaugurated the Gazetteer cum Atlas of Water Bodies of Bihar. The comprehensive publication provides detailed information on rivers, ponds, wetlands, and other water bodies across the state — extending down to the Gram Panchayat level.
The atlas is expected to play a crucial role in identifying encroached water bodies and assisting in their restoration. Minister Sarawagi noted that the initiative would give ponds and similar bodies a unique identity and help promote sustainable development and policy planning.
More than just maps, the atlas includes historical, archaeological, geomorphological, climatic, social, agricultural, and economic profiles of each district. Originally conceptualised in 2020 by then Additional Chief Secretary Vivek Kumar Singh, the project came to fruition under the leadership of present Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar Singh and Secretary Jai Singh.
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Secretary Jai Singh emphasised that this reference book would support the goals of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, while also serving as an educational tool for future generations. Several central and state departments, including those for Water Resources, Environment, and Rural Development, collaborated on the project.
Additionally, officials announced the upcoming release of district gazetteers for Patna after 54 years and Darbhanga after 60 years, which will serve as authentic records of historical, social, and administrative information.