Chief Minister Nitish Kumar transformed a routine site inspection into a blueprint for heritage renaissance during his visit to Patna’s Golghar complex Monday morning.
The 250-year-old monument, with its mathematical precision of 30-foot diameter base widening to 80 feet at the top, embodies engineering marvel from colonial era. Kumar climbed all 145 steps, assessing restoration from every vantage point.
Flagging issues like water seepage, unstable parapets, and poor signages, he set micro-deadlines for rectification. ‘Tourists shouldn’t just see history; they should feel it,’ he instructed, ordering interactive exhibits and multilingual audio guides.
Directives extended to peripheral development: promenade along Ganga ghats, artisan village showcasing Madhubani paintings, and convention center for heritage conferences. The CM envisioned Golghar hosting national yoga events leveraging its serene ambiance.
Budgetary provisions were doubled to Rs 100 crore incorporating green technologies – solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and waste management systems positioning Golghar as model eco-heritage site.
Urban planners highlighted synergy with Patna Metro Phase I connecting Golghar station directly. Cultural ministry officials plan international collaborations for conservation expertise.
This strategic intervention comes at crucial juncture with Bihar showcasing heritage during 2025 tourism summits. Golghar’s transformation signals Bihar’s emergence as serious heritage tourism contender rivaling Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh circuits.