- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Saran District Administration and Bihar Tourism Department have secured a Rs 24.29 crore grant from the Ministry of Tourism under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme for the development of the Harihar Kshetra Sonepur Mela.
As part of this initiative, Rs 2.42 crore has been sanctioned as the first installment. The project includes major infrastructure enhancements, such as the construction of an entrance gate, market area, widened roads, and pathways to the ghat, alongside modern AR/VR facilities, parking, shuttle services, and public utilities, with a total budget of Rs 14.43 crore.
To promote sustainable tourism, the mela will be designated a plastic-free zone, with waste management, eco-friendly transport, solar lighting, and awareness campaigns, costing Rs 1.61 crore. Digitalisation and smart facilities will include a Mela app, cashless transactions, virtual darshan, live streaming, crowd management, and digital signage, with an allocation of Rs 3.59 crore.
The plan also emphasises skill development and startup promotion, covering training in hospitality, hygiene, digital marketing, handicrafts, and cultural programs, at a cost of Rs 9.07 lakh, while Rs 90,000 has been set aside for tourism MSME startup promotion.
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) will implement the project, aiming for completion by March 31, 2026. These efforts are expected to modernise Sonepur Mela, boost local economic growth, and position it as an international tourist destination.