A NEW SYMBOL OF ENVIRONMENT, MODERN RECREATION AND BHOJPURI CULTURE IN THE HEART OF ARA

A NEW SYMBOL OF ENVIRONMENT, MODERN RECREATION AND BHOJPURI CULTURE IN THE HEART OF ARA

14-AUG-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------August 13, 2026, brought a significant gift for the residents of Bhojpur. Today, the District Magistrate of Bhojpur, Mr. Tanay Sultania, and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Bhojpur, Mr. Pradyumn Gaurav, inspected the Veer Kunwar Singh Park located at Ramna Maidan. During the visit, they reviewed the renovation and beautification work, after which the park was formally opened to the public.

In 2024, the Urban Development and Housing Department transferred the Veer Kunwar Singh Park at Ramna Maidan to the Forest Department. Subsequently, the Bhojpur Forest Division, Ara, undertook the complete renovation and state-of-the-art beautification of the park during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 financial years at a cost of approximately ₹4.80 crore.

Situated in the heart of Ara city, this park has now been developed into a serene, clean, and green "lung" of the city, offering a beautiful blend of environmental conservation, health, recreation, local art and culture, and social interaction.

- Entry, Security, and Affordable Pass Facilities: A grand entrance gate, a guard room, and a ticket counter have been constructed to replace the old entrance. The entry fee for the general public remains unchanged at ₹10 per person. General visiting hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Facilities include an annual pass for ₹500 for morning walkers, as well as quarterly and monthly passes at concessional rates for the elderly. Pass holders are permitted entry from 5:00 AM to 8:30 AM and from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Health, Yoga, and Recreation: Facilities such as a state-of-the-art yoga pavilion (capacity: 50 people), a herbal garden featuring over 30 species of medicinal plants, an open-air gym, a musical fountain, a bamboo kiosk (for plant sales), and a boating station have been developed.

Babu Veer Kunwar Singh Statue Island: The memorial situated in the middle of the pond has been revitalized; this included landscaping around the statue, attractive lighting, and the renovation of the main pathway.

Cultural Artistry and Play Area: Features include a cafeteria designed in the Bhojpuri architectural style, an oval-shaped seating area, a selfie wall/pergola, a dedicated children's play area, and vibrant art installations like ‘Lambu-Chhotu’ based on the ‘Waste to Wealth’ theme.

Smart Amenities and Security: The premises are equipped with an underground sewage system, RO drinking water stations, sound and PA (Public Address) systems, and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance.

Environmental conservation has been given special priority alongside development during the renovation of Veer Kunwar Singh Park. The park has been developed with a focus on preserving existing trees, minimizing concrete usage, utilizing natural and recycled materials, and implementing a climate-friendly design.

1. Tree-friendly Pathway Design: The alignment of pathways was altered to preserve the maximum number of trees. Where this was not possible, detachable metal tree guards/rings were installed to ensure sunlight, air, and water could reach the tree roots.

2. Boundary Wall Alignment Adjustment: To save trees located along the boundary line, the wall's alignment was adjusted to curve around them.

3. Beehive Coolant Wall and Vedic AC: The cafeteria features a ‘Beehive Pattern Coolant Wall’ made of earthen cups (*kulhads*) and a ‘Vedic Air Conditioner’ based on biomimicry principles, both of which help cool the air naturally. 4. Trees Integrated into Architecture: Instead of felling the *Chilbil* and *Amla* trees located in the center of the cafeteria, they have been made the centerpiece of the design. This serves as an excellent example of balancing development with environmental conservation.

5. Reuse of Fallen Wood and Roots: Fallen logs have been repurposed into benches and selfie points, while old roots serve as landscape centerpieces.

6. Scrap-based Art Installation: A large sculpture of a snail made from scrap metal has been installed to promote environmental awareness and the 'Waste to Wealth' concept.

7. Low-Impact Pathways and Water Recharge: Pathways have been constructed using *Moram* (gravel/murrum) and paver blocks instead of concrete. Systems for underground rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and recharge pits have been implemented.

8. Local and Recycled Materials: Broken tiles and bricks have been used for mosaic flooring, old stones for retaining walls, and durable treated bamboo railings have been installed around the pond.

9. Signage in Bhojpuri: Attractive information boards in the Bhojpuri language have been installed to connect public engagement and environmental messages with local culture.

10. Duck Station and Water Purification: Facilities include a dedicated duck station, floating gardens featuring *Senna Lily* for water purification, and floating aerators to filter the water.

This transformation of Veer Kunwar Singh Park provides the city of Ara with a public green space that offers a unique blend of history, Bhojpuri culture, modern recreation, and environmental conservation. Opened to the public today, this park marks a significant step towards becoming a key hub for the residents of Bhojpur—fostering health, recreation, a connection with nature, and social interaction.