Bihar modernizes Sonepur Mela with Rs 24.28 crore boost
An amount of Rs 24.28 crore has been approved for modernisation of Sonepur cattle fair in Bihar. The government is developing it as a digital and environment-sensitive destination, which will boost local employment and economic activities. The initiative includes amenities such as gateways, parking, shuttle service, plastic-free zones and cashless payments.
The government has launched an initiative to develop and modernize tourist facilities at the world famous Sonepur Mela site held every year in Saran district of Bihar. The government is developing the area as a digital and eco-sensitive destination.
"Administrative approval has been given to a scheme worth Rs 24.28 crore for development and modernisation of tourist facilities at Sonepur Mela site," Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary said. The plan for Sonepur Mela development has been approved under the sub-scheme of 'Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0' (CBDD). This will boost local employment and economic activities in rural areas. The government is developing Sonepur Mela as a digital and eco-sensitive destination not only for the country but also for global tourism. "
"Under the scheme, construction of entry gates, haats, road widening, connectivity to ghats, parking and shuttle services will be developed," Chaudhary said. The new look will also focus on green initiatives such as plastic-free fair zones, waste management, solar energy and environment awareness campaigns. At the same time, under the digital initiative, services like Mela mobile app, cashless payment, virtual darshan and smart parking will be created.
"The Sonepur Mela site in Saran district of Bihar is an important tourist spot attracting a large number of tourists. Due to the efforts of the government, the number of tourists is increasing continuously. The overall development of the Mela site will provide high quality facilities to the visiting tourists, create new business opportunities and also generate revenue for the government. "
The fair begins every year on the day of Kartik Purnima in autumn at the confluence of the Ganga-Gandak river in Sonepur and lasts for a month. It is considered to be Asia's largest cattle fair. In this fair, elephants, horses, cows, bulls and other animals are bought and sold.