Patna, December 26th 2024, Vikas Kumar Ojha & Anand Bihari Singh (Sitamarhi): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, during the Pragati Yatra, visited Sitamarhi and Sheohar districts, reviewing development projects, inaugurating initiatives, and addressing key concerns of the people. The visit highlighted significant developments in sugar industry revival, infrastructure, and socio-economic welfare programs.
Inauguration of Sugar Mill Revival and Development Projects
In Sitamarhi’s Riga block, the Chief Minister initiated the revival of the Riga Sugar Mill, marking the beginning of the 2024-25 crushing season. Kumar symbolically loaded sugarcane bundles to commence operations and toured the facility. The revival addresses long-standing demands of sugarcane farmers, ensuring sustainable operations and financial relief.
In Dumra block’s Maniyari village, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth ₹236.60 crore. These include:
- Projects worth ₹141.12 crore inaugurated.
- Foundation stones for schemes totaling ₹95.47 crore laid.
Under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, Kumar inaugurated Satuaahi Pokhar, featuring boating facilities, a yoga-meditation center, open gym, and a children’s play area. He also emphasized safety enhancements around the pond. Other initiatives included financial aid distribution to Jeevika Didis, showcasing their entrepreneurship, and symbolic disbursement of checks under welfare schemes like Kanya Utthan Yojana and Ayushman Bharat.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the new Panchayat Government Building in Manihari, visited departmental stalls, and addressed residents on development efforts. Before arriving in Sitamarhi, Kumar conducted an aerial survey of flood-prone regions, particularly the damaged embankment of Bagmati River.
Joint Review Meeting and Key Announcements
At the Sitamarhi Collectorate, Kumar chaired a joint review meeting for Sitamarhi and Sheohar districts. Detailed presentations on progress across various schemes, including the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme, Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal, rural connectivity projects, and agricultural initiatives, were discussed. Issues raised by local representatives were noted, and directives for swift resolutions were issued.
Key Highlights from the Meeting:
- Riga Sugar Mill Revival:
- Approval of ₹52 crore to clear dues of sugarcane farmers.
- Increase of ₹20 per quintal in sugarcane procurement rates.
- Infrastructure Enhancements:
- Repairs to the breached Bagmati embankment, with plans for strengthening embankments and constructing roads atop them.
- Establishment of a new power grid station in Majorganj block to address electricity issues in four blocks.
- Tourism Development:
- Development of Punaur Dham and Panthapakhar (Doli Sthan), significant cultural landmarks linked to Sita’s journey in the Ramayana, to boost employment through tourism.
- Industrial and Employment Boost:
- Identification of 500 acres for setting up industries in Sitamarhi, aiming to create local job opportunities.
Broader Development Commitments:
Kumar reflected on Bihar’s transformation since 2005, citing improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and safety. He highlighted initiatives like the Bicycle Scheme for girls, increased medical facilities, and expanded employment opportunities, with a target of creating 12 lakh government jobs and 34 lakh employment opportunities by 2025.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, promising rapid resolution of pending projects and prioritizing the needs of all communities.
Kumar concluded his visit with a pledge to continue serving Bihar’s people, emphasizing that development transcends political preferences.
