71 PANCHAYATS TO GET THEIR OWN MARINE DRIVES

71 PANCHAYATS TO GET THEIR OWN MARINE DRIVES

19-APRIL-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------In 71 panchayats across Bhojpur, ponds are being rejuvenated and transformed into 'Marine Drives.' This initiative, spearheaded by DDC Gunjan Singh, aims to bring the tranquility and amenities typically found in cities to the villages. Facilities such as railings along the pond banks, open-air gyms, and parks are being developed. This project is expected to boost tourism and self-employment opportunities alongside promoting water conservation.

Preparations to transform the landscape of villages in the Bhojpur district are now well underway. The district administration has formulated a plan to beautify and develop 71 identified ponds across the district in a phased manner. The objective of this initiative extends beyond mere pond cleaning; it aims to prepare these water bodies to serve as focal points for village development and community utility.

Encompassing 71 ponds spread across various panchayats and villages, a major initiative for the beautification of ponds in the Bhojpur district is advancing rapidly. The 71 identified ponds are being developed in a phased approach through the coordinated efforts of various government departments. The goal of this scheme is not merely to clean the ponds, but to render them attractive and functional spaces for the local villagers.

A pond spanning 52 bighas in the Chakwat Panchayat of the Bihiya block is emerging as a prime example of this scheme's success. Work at this site is nearly complete. Iron railings have been installed around the perimeter of the pond, and rubber mats have been laid along the banks to facilitate easy walking for visitors. Furthermore, facilities such as fish farming zones, agricultural areas, a park, a small sports ground, a rural marketplace (Haat), and an open-air gym have also been developed here.

DDC Gunjan Singh stated that this scheme is poised to bring about a significant transformation in the villages. She believes that if similar pond beautification projects are implemented in every panchayat, the entire atmosphere of the villages will undergo a complete makeover. Children will have spaces to play, the elderly will have areas to stroll, and the youth will be able to spend their leisure time by the lakeside.

Now, a particularly noteworthy aspect regarding this initiative is also coming to light. It can be said that once the beautification of these ponds is complete, the 71 Panchayats of Bhojpur will each have their own ‘Marine Drive.’ In other words, people in the villages will find a beautiful and serene space—akin to those found in cities—right within their own localities, where they can spend their leisure time.

Furthermore, this initiative will promote water conservation and curb the indiscriminate exploitation of water resources. At the district level, a team led by the Deputy Development Commissioner has been constituted to oversee the entire project. If this scheme proves to be fully successful, the villages of Bhojpur could, in the near future, carve out a distinct identity for themselves in terms of both development and aesthetic beauty.