Bihar Government to Conduct Archaeological Surveys for Heritage Sites
Bihar's Initiative for Heritage Preservation
Patna, August 4 - The Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Chaudhary, announced on Tuesday that the state government will undertake archaeological surveys of key heritage sites to develop them into "world-class tourist destinations." This decision was made during a meeting with a delegation of archaeologists and heritage experts.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister's office, the experts recommended the scientific preservation and restoration of thousands of ancient temple remnants scattered around the historic Mundeshwari Temple in Kaimur district. The statement also noted that the Chief Minister directed the use of 'Light Detection and Ranging' (LiDAR) and 'Ground Penetrating Radar' (GPR) technologies for a non-invasive scientific survey to identify archaeological remains buried underground before excavation at the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya.
Furthermore, Chaudhary instructed for the scientific excavation of the remaining parts of the Kesariya Stupa, which is among the tallest Buddhist stupas in the world, emphasizing that a significant portion of it remains unexplored. Officials indicated that the state government will formulate a comprehensive action plan for the preservation and tourism development of these sites, enhancing Bihar's identity as a global heritage destination and creating local employment opportunities through tourism.
The meeting also discussed the development of Kaimur's prehistoric and natural sites, including Telhar Kund and Karkatgarh, as part of a heritage and eco-tourism circuit. The gathering included Padma Shri awardee archaeologist K.K. Mohammed, officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and representatives from the Bihar Heritage Development Society.