SUHIA BHAGARH-RENOWNED FOR ITS NATURAL BEAUTY AND RICH BIODIVERSITY

SUHIA BHAGARH-RENOWNED FOR ITS NATURAL BEAUTY AND RICH BIODIVERSITY

13-FEB-ENG 13

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Suhiya Bhagarh, located in the Shahpur block area of ​​Bhojpur district in Bihar, is now embarking on a new chapter. The district administration has designated 125 acres of prime land in Suhiya Bhagarh for the Forest Department, marking an important step towards enriching it with biodiversity and conserving and enhancing wetlands.

This watershed of Suhiya Bhagarh was formed centuries ago by the erosion of the Ganges River and was once considered extremely rich. For the past few decades, it has established itself as a major center of fish production in Bihar. During the winter season, flocks of colorful migratory Siberian birds arrive here, traveling thousands of miles in search of food and water, creating a wonderful and captivating display of nature. However, illegal mining of white sand has completely cleared the forests in this area, severely damaging its natural beauty. Several plans were made by the government from time to time for its restoration, but unfortunately, they have not been implemented to date.

Suhiya Bhagarh is located in Hirki Pipra Mouza, approximately 8 kilometers west-northwest of the Shahpur block headquarters in Bhojpur district. Its area is recorded as 125 acres in government records, but during the rainy season, it expands to approximately 8 kilometers, indicating its vastness. This geographical location makes it even more ecologically important.

Bhagarh is the largest water tax in Patna division, generating revenue of over 10 lakh rupees each year. It is not only a source of revenue, but the livelihood of hundreds of families depends on it due to the large-scale fish production throughout the year. Additionally, drinking water is also provided to thousands of cattle belonging to pastoralists in dozens of surrounding villages from this Bhagarh, making it an integral part of the local agricultural and animal husbandry economy.

Several ambitious plans were made at various times for the restoration and development of Suhiya Bhagarh, but they were not implemented. First, in 1986-87, at the initiative of the then Chief Minister, Pandit Bindeshwari Dubey, a canal was planned, connecting it to the Ganga River and the Dharmavati River through an interlocking system. The primary objective of this project was to provide irrigation to thousands of hectares of uncultivated land in Dumraon, Simri, Chakki, Brahmapur, Shahpur, Bihiya, Barhara, and Ara blocks of the unified Bhojpur district. This was a far-reaching plan that could have revolutionized agriculture.

Subsequently, in 2005-06, recognizing the immense potential for fish production in Bhagarh, a satellite survey of the entire area was conducted. After a thorough study and evaluation of the satellite imagery by experts, a detailed plan for the development of Bhagarh was developed at a cost of approximately 11 crore rupees. This plan envisioned constructing a dam on both sides of Bhagarh up to the Ganges River and installing sluice gates on the dam, allowing water to be released in extreme conditions. Ironically, this plan still languishes in the Fisheries Department's files.

Following this, in 2009-10, the State Tourism Department, at the initiative of then-MLA Munni Devi, conducted a survey. Following this survey, a detailed project report (DPR) was prepared to develop Bhagarh as a "water conservation and bird sanctuary" to promote tourism. This plan also failed to move beyond paper.

Despite these previous failures, the Forest Department's current initiative to develop 125 acres of Suhiya Bhagarh into a biodiversity-rich and ideal habitat for Siberian birds offers new hope. If this plan is successfully implemented, it will not only preserve the natural heritage of this important wetland, but will also provide a safe haven for Siberian birds and can also promote eco-tourism, giving a new dimension to the local economy.