‘GANGA PATH’ BE DEVELOPED ON THE BANKS OF RIVER GANGA

18-JULY-ENG 14

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Bhojpur district of Bihar is very important from historical, cultural and geographical point of view. The land here has given freedom fighters like Veer Kunwar Singh to the country, while this region is also blessed with rivers like Ganga, Son. Especially the river Ganga, which flows for a length of about 60 kilometers on the northern border of Bhojpur district, is the life-giver of this region.

But the sad thing is that even today the villages and cities situated on the banks of Ganga are deprived of modern facilities and planned development. Just as the construction of Ganga Path (JP Ganga Path) in the capital Patna has given a new impetus to the traffic, tourism and economic development of the capital, in the same way Ganga Path has become an essential and much-awaited project for Bhojpur district.

Many important blocks of Bhojpur district like Barhara, Shahpur, Bihiya, Koilwar and Ara are situated close to the river Ganga. The headquarters of Ara city is also just a few kilometers away from the river Ganga. If a grand 'Ganga Path' is developed along the banks of the Ganga, it will prove to be transformative for the entire district.

This road can be built from Barhara to Koilwar or Shahpur to Ara via Bihiya. The construction of this path will provide better road connectivity to the villages situated on the banks of the Ganga, which will make transportation easier and strengthen the local rural economy.

Bhojpur district is also rich in cultural and religious terms. The historical fort of Veer Kunwar Singh, Son-Ganga Sangam, Mahadev Sthal, various ghats and religious centers are the pride of this district. If the Ganga Path is constructed, these tourist places will get a better road network. This will give a big boost to religious and historical tourism. Tourism will also generate new employment opportunities in the district.

Every year, during the floods in the river Ganga, there are major difficulties in relief and rescue operations. If there is a well-organized road like Ganga Path, then relief teams, ambulances and rescue work can be expedited during floods. This will minimize the loss of life and property.

Under the modern Ganga Path, development of greenery on both sides of the road, footpaths for walking, bicycle lanes, beautification of ghats, river front parks, small markets and rest areas can be built. Also, attractive lighting and CCTV surveillance at night will make this area safe and beautiful.

While on one hand Ganga Path will increase traffic facilities, on the other hand, nearby markets, trade of agricultural products and local business will get a new life. With the construction of this road, the youth of rural areas will get new employment opportunities and the socio-economic development of Bhojpur will reach a new height.

Local people, public representatives and social organizations have demanded from the government that the project of 'Ganga Path' should be approved on the banks of river Ganga in Bhojpur district. The construction process should start by preparing DPR (Detailed Project Report) as soon as possible so that Bhojpur district can get its rights.

The public says that this project will not be just a road, but will become the 'lifeline' of Bhojpur's development. This will not only improve tourism but also business, agriculture, employment and disaster management.