Cool Bihari: Efforts to Revive Tourism in Bihar

Bihar govt is keen to revive the tourism potential in the state and number of steps have been taken recently which definitely augurs well for the development of tourism and related industries like hospitality here.Patna is also likely to have an amusement park by Bihar State Housing Board (BSHB, spread over nearly 9 acre of land in Patna on 'Public-Private Partnership' basis for the benefit of the residents while hoping to generate substantial revenue for the city, BSHB officials said on Monday.

The BSHB has not only identified the location for the amusement park in bahadurpur area but has also almost completed the blue print for the plan, it was learnt.Pending a high-level meeting of the BSHB in coming days, the Board will issue a tender to invite companies for the construction of the amusement park, managing director of the Board Pradeep Kumar said. The park will feature the usual thrill rides including a roller coaster, fun houses, snack and ice cream shops, gift shops, a water park including facilities for boat rides, among many other attractions, Kumar said.

The Indian Govt is trying hard to attract foreign investment for tapping the immense tourism potential in the Buddhist circle. None other than President Kalam has been addressing global audience for the Revival of Old Nalanda University.

In a live videocast from New Delhi, Mr. Kalam told the participants of an international symposium here that another "mission" would be to "work towards building an inclusive society in a world free of violence, terror, war, and fear." Spelling out the global vision of the "fully autonomous academic body" proposed to be set up at the original site of the ancient Nalanda university, the President said its functional basis would be determined through a "process of discussion with hundred scholars drawn from different parts of the world." They "may include those who have been internationally recognized for their exemplary contribution to peace in the world."

Mr. Kalam explained how he came to envision the concept of "a unique institution in Nalanda in the context of current ambience in the world." This project, designed for a "unity of minds" in the 21st century, would draw "inspiration from the rich historical traditions of Nalanda, Bodhgaya, where Lord Buddha got enlightenment, and other spiritual centres in Bihar." Being planned as a multi-discipline university, it will have a sweeping focus from science and technology to spirituality.

Since security has been a pressing concern the state has decided to set a special force to ensure hassle free visits for the tourists.

The force, to be controlled by the superintendents of police of respective districts, would be deployed at various tourist spots like Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, Patna, Munger and other such places to promote tourism, official sources told.

"The recruits would be imparted training on tourist management and the orientation programme will be organised by the union ministry of tourism", they said. Besides, the state public works department would develop the eco-tourism project at Valmikinagar, they said, adding that an Austrian firm, Dopple Mayer, was preparing the ropeway project at the Pragbodhi hill, where Buddha meditated for five years before attaining enlightment.