Tag: bhagalpur

Chhath Puja special trains from Puri to Patna, Hatia, Bhagalpur.

Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) is running special trains from Puri to Patna and Bhagalpur in Bihar and Hatia in Jharkhand ahead of Chhath Puja.

Two special trains will run from Puri in Odisha to Hatia and Bhagalpur on Wednesday, ECoR said in a statement.

The Puri-Hatia-Puri special train will depart Puri at 1.30 pm on Wednesday and reach Hatia at 4 am the next day. In the return direction, the train will leave Hatia at 9 am on Thursday and reach Puri at 11 pm the same day, it said.

En route, the train will halt at Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Angul, Sambalpur City, Jharsuguda and Rourkela railway stations.

The Puri-Bhagalpur-Puri special train will leave Puri at 10.30 am on October 30 and November 6 and reach Bhagalpur at 7 am on the following days.

In the return direction, the train will leave Bhagalpur at 8.30 am on October 31 and November 7 and will reach Puri at 6.45 am on the following days, the release said.

En route, the train will stop at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Balasore, Hijli, Midnapur, Bankura, Adra, Asansol, Durgapur, Sainthia, Rampurhat, Gumani, Barharwa and Sahibganj stations.

While one Puri-Patna-Puri special train has already left Puri on October 26 and returned to the pilgrim centre on October 28 from Patna, another will leave the Odisha town at 9.25 am on November 2 and reach the Bihar capital at 6.15 am the next day.

In the return direction, the special train will leave Patna at 1.45 pm on November 3 and will reach Puri at 9.45 am the next day, it said.

En route, the train will halt at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Balasore, Hijli, Midnapur, Bankura, Adra, Asansol, Chittaranjan, Madhupur, Jasidih, Jhajha, Kiul, Mokama and Bakhtiapur stations.

Ganga overtops red mark in Patna, low-lying areas face submergence

Source: hindustantimes.com

Fresh threat of flooding has come to haunt Bihar again with river Ganga rising menacingly at various places across the state—from Buxar to Bhagalpur. It has overtopped the danger levels at Patna, inundating low-lying areas across along its way, which led to exodus of families with cattle heads from diaras.

In Patna, Bind Toli, one of the most populous helmets inhabited by fishermen located inside the Patna flood protection wall, has been completely submerged under the water, while floodwaters have begun engulfing houses built on upland in diara between Patna and Saran district.

Sitab Diara, the native village of socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan, situated on the bank of Ganga has been swamped by the flood water and the villager are being relocated to safer places. Many villages settled on the river’s bank in Naugachhiya and Bhagalpur are being devoured by the gushing current of the river. Various villages of Mahnar block of Vaishali have also been submerged due to rise in water level of Ganga.

This is the second spell of the flood the state is undergoing. Earlier, as many as 13 north Bihar districts were inundated by the swollen rivers originating from Nepal and are still grappling with the post-flood tribulations. The floodwaters had swamped more than 1,300 panchayats, affecting more than 88 lakh people due to the spate that started in the last week of June. More than 130 persons had lost their lives in the north Bihar districts due to the floods.

Prompted by the rising trend of Ganga and other rivers in the last 24 hours, the administrative machineries of the districts along the river have been put on high alert to meet the eventualities. Personnel of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in sensitive areas of the rivers to keep constant vigil and rush help to the people in need.

Officials of the water resources department (WRD) said that safety embankments of Ganga and other tributaries of rivers of Central Bihar region are being fortified and monitoring heightened in view of the moderate to heavy rains predicted in their catchment areas in the next one week.

They feared that the flood situation may deteriorate in the catchment areas of Ganga as other tributaries like Kosi, Gandak, Sone and Burhi Gandak threaten to cross the red mark at different localities along the way. “Currently, Ganga has crossed the danger level at Gandhi Ghat and Hathidan in Patna, while Burhi Gandak has overtopped the red mark at Khagaria. Sone has begun to swell after a brief reprieve in the morning. Situation is, however, not that alarming as of now,” said an executive engineer of the WRD.

A youth is reported to have drowned near LCT Ghat, opposite Mahavir Vatsalya hospital, after he accidentally fell into the turbulent water of Ganga. A team of SDRF personnel carried out an extended operation to fish out the body, which remained elusive till late evening on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the state government has sought financial assistance of Rs 3,000 crore from the Centre to compensate for the losses in Bihar and its people had to incur during the first phase of flood devastation.

Farmers in Bihar Fear Another Drought

Source: newsclick.in

Patna: Jogendar Mandal and his co-villager Kamlesh Yadav are worried over poor monsoon even as of the first week of July. Both are marginal farmer of Banka district, they fear another drought this year with state recorded 41 percent less than the normal rainfalls in June and 43 percent less than normal rainfall in July so far ,as per the rainfall report of Indian Meteorological Department.

Mandal and Yadav are two of thousands of farmers of Banka, one of the districts facing drought-like conditions — Jamui, Bhagalpur, Munger and Lakhisarai being among the other affected districts.

“We have no idea or clue to predict weather, but dry spell so far during the time of heavy rains indicate that something is bad in-store for us. Rain gods are giving us sleepless nights this time like last year. It appears we may face another drought,” said Mandal, in his early 40s, sitting on a locally made bamboo cot. He told Newsclick that thanks to mobile phones, he has been able to get connected to outside his village.

Poor monsoon in Bihar, as of July 4, has affected paddy sowing — triggered fears of another drought among millions of the state’s farmers, agriculture scientists and officials.

Even chief minister Nitish Kumar recently said he feared another spell of drought in Bihar. Taking the issue of dry spell and water crisis seriously in Bihar, the state government and state legislature have decided to organise a special debate on July 13 in the central hall of the state Assembly here to discuss the issue and measures to tackle the challenge by taking feedback from legislators.

With water problems creating havoc among people, on the directive of chief minister Nitish Kumar a special debate would be held. All legislators including ruling parties and opposition will attend and will present ground reality of water problems in their respective constituencies before the government.

“Scanty monsoon rains in Bihar have badly affected paddy sowing. Till date, 61.73% paddy seedling has been reported. But situation is very bad in Bhagalpur and Munger commissionary as only 5% paddy seedling has been reported,” said an agriculture officer.

The state government has targetted paddy cultivation on 33 lakh hectares this year. But till date, paddy seedlings have been reported on about 3.30 lakh hectares.

“What is alarming is that paddy saplings transplantation delayed, so far transplantation is reported in only 93,000 hectares, it is 2.83% of the targetted. Besides, no sapling transplantation started in 27 of 38 districts,” another official told Newsclick here.

“Farmers are also getting restless about transplanting paddy seedlings in view of the lack of water,” said Mandal. He said that paddy seedlings were badly hit in over two dozen districts. All these districts are facing drought-like situation, he said. The state government would provide diesel to farmers at subsidised rates under a contingency plan to cope with the drought-like situation, he added.

According to government’s own data, nearly two-thirds of Bihar’s population of 11 crore are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.

Not only that, nearly two-thirds of all agricultural activity in the state is dependent on the rains. Most of them are small and marginal farmers.

For most of the state’s population, therefore, a good monsoon is often the difference between life and death.

Agriculture is the backbone of Bihar’s economy, employing 81% of the workforce and generating nearly 42% of the state’s domestic product, according to the state government’s figures. About 76% of Bihar’s population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood.

Reports reaching Patna said unlike the past, there is no water for irrigation in the canals. A large part of central Bihar is irrigated by water from the Sone river, brought through canals.

A few farmers have managed to save paddy seeds sown last month by pumping ground water and others are trying to do the same now.

Bhagalpur Museum

Bhagalpur Museum-Bihar
About:
Bhagalpur 60 km from Munger by train or bus is Bhagalpur, associated with memories of the great Bengali novelists Sarat Chandra and Banaful. It would be better to travel to Bhagalpur by direct trains 3071 Howrah Jamalpur Exp or 3133 Sealdah-Mughalsarai Exp which leave at 22-30 hr and 20-55 hr and reach Bhagalpur next morning at 7-15 hr and 6-40 hr respectively.  

Bhagalpur Museum is situated at Station Club, Bhagalpur. It contains different types of Sculptures, terracotta, arms etc. Bhagalpur Museum organizes lectures and even film shows on different subjects. The museum is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm during summer and 10 am to 5 pm during winter .It remains closed on Mondays and government holidays.

Tour Bhagalpur town by a rickshaw on contract basis. First see the High Tower, Temple of Dudheswara Mahadeva, the Uni­versity and the Jain Temple at Nathnagar. Passenger trains run from Bhagalpur to Nathnagar, just 4 km away. On return to the town, you may visit Kuppa Ghat Ashram on the Ganges in a charming environment by rickshaw. On the return road there is the Agricultural college. Bhagalpur is reputed for its silk. Next morning travel to Sultan-ganj, 25 km away from Bhagalpur by train and visit the Siva Temple of Aajgaibinath on the summit of the hill on the Ganges. Boat is the only conveyance here.

Buses and mini buses also run to Sultanganj from Bhagal­pore and Munger. On the way to Howrah tourists may get down at Vikramsila Halt to see the ruins of the Vikramsila University of the past. They may go up to Bhagalpur by 16-01 hr Burdwan-Jamalpur Passenger train and from Bhagalpur they may back to Howrah by Jamalpur-Howrah Exp or Mughalsarai- Sealdah Exp which leave Bha­galpore at 20-10 hr and 1-20 hr respectively and reach Howrah and Sealdah next morning at 5-10 and 12-55 hr respectively.
Location info:
Address:Bhagalpur Museum,Bhagalpur ,Bihar,India
District:Bhagalpur
Nearest City:Bhagalpur
Best time to visit: October to March
Climate/Weather:
The climate of the state is tropical with hot summers and cold winters. Monsoon brings medium to high rainfall and floods several areas in north Bihar. Humidity levels remain high in north and central Bihar throughout the summer and monsoon season, making them quite uncomfortable. The best time to visit the state is from October to March.
History:
Bhagalpur Museum, established in 1970, is situated at Bhagalpur, and 230 km east of Patna, in Bihar. The museum exhibits ancient stone and bronze sculptures, terracotta, coins, manuscripts, rocks and minerals, fossils and arms and weapons
Interesting things to do:
 
Interesting things to Visit:
Khanqah-i-Shahbazia:
An Institutation Khanqah-i-Shahbazia was a highly reputed institution with a rich library and a rallying centre for scholars and men of learning. One of the five jurists invited by Aurangzeb for the compilation of his famous Fatwa-i-Alamgiri was Mir Muhammad Raadhi from Bhagalpur. In 1669 he received a daily allowance of three rupees and was later raised to the rank of an Amir. Sheikh Nizam, another noted theologian of his times was also welcomed to the Mughal court.Khangah-i-Shahbazia, Mullachak, adjoining the Bhagalpur Railway Station continues to be a flourishing seminary under the care of the 13th generation of the descendants of Maulana Shahbaz. The Sajjadah Nashin (direct descendent) is supposed to spend his life within the boundries of the Khangah. He leads the prayer, takes care of the various charitable projects and indulges in spiritual services. According to tradition they are exempted from appearance in any court of law.A visit to the Khangah springs a number of surprises like the oldest mosque in Bhagalpur wrapped in black dome. The typical Bengali roof over the medieval tombs houses the Kadam-i-Rasool (foot print of the prophet) and other memorabilia dating back to the medieval days. The library of the Khangah is rich in Arabic and Persian theological works, which includes hand written books dating back to the days of Maulana Shahbaz. One of the prized collection of the library includes the Holy Quran transcribed by Murshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Murshidabad who was fond of donating his works to various Khangahs and even setting aside an allowance for their daily broadcast.  

Mandar Hills:
Mandar Hills , steeped in legend and laced with landscape of extraordinary splendour exposes the 800 feet high granite hill. Mandar is associated with amritmanthana which suggests that the hill was used by the gods to churn the ocean to procure amrit. The serpent, Basukinaga offered to serve as the rope and has left behind an impression of the coil on the granite hill. It is believed that panchjanya, the conch shell used in Mahabharat War was discovered here in the Sank kund. The puranas refer to various sacred places on the hill which is also believed to be the abode of Vishnu under the title of Madhusudana or the destroyer of a demon called Madhu who was killed by Vishnu and then covered by the Mandar hill. Kalidasa’s kumarasamahava refers to foot marks of Vishnu on the slopes of Mandar.
The hill is replete with relics of bygone ages. Besides inscriptions and statues there are numerous rock cut sculptures depicting various Brahmanical images. The hill is equally revered by the Jains who believe that their 12th Tirthankara attained nirvana here on the summit of the hill.

Kahalgaon:
Kahalgaon (32 km) is made up of three small islands associated with Jahnu Rishi’s legend associated with the swallowing of the Ganges when his meditation was interrupted by the rush of water. Later he released the Ganges through an incision on his thigh at the intercession of Raja Bhagiratha. Since then the river changed its course and started flowing from south to north. An incomplete and unusual rock cut temple worked out on a single granite boulder is of great interest as such a similar monolithic temple is not to be seen elsewhere in Bihar. Kahalgaon is the place to watch the dolphins at play around these islands.
North East of Kahalgaon is Bateshwar Asthan famous for 7th century rock sculptures referred to as Chaurasi Muni (84 sages). They depict various scenes from Ramayana.
Mahamud Shah, the last independent king of Bengal died here in 1539. Kahalgaon is one of the oldest religious and trade centre in Bhagalpur commanding a picturesque view. Mrs. Warren Hastings cruised to Bhagalpur from Calcutta and her boat almost capsized near the Kahalgaon hills.
Mobile range info:
 
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Bhagalpur lies on the broad gauge Loop line of the Eastern railway running from kiul to Burdwan. Important stations in this District on this line are Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, Sabour, Kahalgaon. A branch line runs from Bhagalpur to Mandar Hill (21 Kms.). North Bhagalpur is served by the Barauni-Katihar section of the North Eastern Frontier Railway. Narainpur, Bihpur, Naugauchia and Katihar Railway Stations lie on this line
Nearest Airport:Bhagalpur airport
Road Transport:National Highway 31 runs through the entire Naugachia Police District and subdivision. This highway connects the subdivisions directly to Patna via Begusarai and Khagaria and runs up to Guwahati via Purnea-Kishanganj. In addition, Mokama Farakka road has also declared as National Highway No. 81. It passes through Bhagalpur town and Kahalgoan.
Nearest Visiting places:
Golghar:
Alarmed by the famine of 1770, captain John Garstin built this huge granary for the British army in 1786. The massive structure is 29 m high and the walls are 3.6 m wide at the base. The winding stairway around this monument offers a brilliant panoramic view of the city and the Ganga flowing by.Golghar or the round house, the huge granary was built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin, at the behest of the then administrator, Warren Hastings. Bihar experienced severe draught that resulted in acute famine in the year 1770. Alarmed by the situation faced by the people, this massive granary was constructed for the British army.The enormous structure is 29 m high and is 3.6 m wide at the base. Overlooking the river and the plains, it looks like the upper half of a gigantic, decorated Easter egg, with the spiral stairway winding around this monument, adding to its embellishment. It offers a magnificent breathtaking view of the city and the river Ganges, flowing nearby.  

Martyr’s Memorial:
A memorial to seven freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in the Quit India Movement of August 1942, the Martyr’s Memorial is a modern sculpture facing the Secretariat, where they were shot in their attempt to host the national flag.Life-size statues in front of the aged secretariat compound have been put up in memory of seven brave young men who faced bullets for the freedom of the country and sacrificed their lives in August 1942 in the historic struggle for India’s independence during “Quit India” movement.It is a modern sculpture with life dimension statues of the seven martyrs’, in front of the Secretariat where they were shot in their attempt to hoist the national tricolor.

Har Mandir Takht:
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, was born in 1660 in Patna. The Har Mandir Takht, one of the four sacred shrines of the Sikhs, stands at this holy site. The original temple was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and contains belongings of the Guru and Sikh holy texts. The Harmandir Takht, one of the four holy shrines of the Sikhs, stands at this holy site, The original temple was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and contains belongings of the Guru and Sikh holy texts. As a sign of reverence, it is also called Patna Sahib by the Sikhs. The Harmandir Temple, also referred to as Patna Sahib, is the second most important pilgrimage of the Sikhs after the Golden Temple of Amritsar. The Takht Harmandir was built by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th guru of the Sikhs. The gurudwara is made of white marble and is great piece of art. The Harmandir Temple Located in Patna City, the elder part the city, it also houses a museum on it’s third floor.

Patna Museum:
The Patna Museum houses a First World War cannon, metal and stone sculptures of the Mauryan and Gupta periods, Buddhist sculptures and quaint terracotta figures. A 16 m long fossilised tree is one of its special features.Patna museum was established in the year 1917 by the British Government.The building of the museum was built in the style of Rajput and Mughal architecture.It is a multipurpose museum.The museum is the storehouse of archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, thankas, bronze images and sculptures and terracotta. Patna museum is divided into 11 different sections.

Pathar ki Masjid:
Adjacent to Har Mandir Sahib, on the bank of the Ganga, is this beautiful mosque built by Parwez Shah, son of Jehangir, when he was the governor of Bihar. It is also called Saif Khan’s mosque, Chimmi Ghat mosque and Sangi Masjid.Stone Mosque or Pathar Ki Masjid was built in 1621 by Parvezshah, son Emperor Jahangir , when he was the Governor of Bihar. Adjacent to Har Mandir Sahib, this beautiful mosque was built by Parwez Shah when he was the governor of Bihar. It is situated on the bank of the Ganga, it is also called Saif Khan’s mosque, Chimmi Ghat mosque and Sangi Masjid.

Sher Shah Suri Masjid:
Sher Shah Suri built this mosque in 1545 to commemorate his reign. Built in the Afghan architectural style, it is one of the many beautiful mosques in Bihar, and one of the impressive landmarks of Patna.Khuda Baksh Oriental Library: Founded in 1900, a magnificent one man collection of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts, Rajput and Mughal paintings, oddities like the Koran inscribed in a book only 25mm wide and an assortment of old and new books from the University of Cordoba, Spain. It is one of the national libraries in India. The library also contains the only books to survive the sacking of the Moorish University of Cordoba in Spain.Sher Shah Masjid was built by Sher Shah Suri, to commemorate his reign. Built in Afghan architectural style, it is one of the many beautiful mosques in Bihar and a landmark in Patna. An Afghan chieftain, who defeated Mughal Emperor Humanyun to rule Delhi. Locally known as Shershahi, the mosque was built in 1545, making it the oldest mosque in Patna.

Jalan Museum:
Built on the foundations of Sher Shah’s fort, Qila House contains an impressive private collection of antiques, including a dinner service that once belonged to George III, Marie Antoinette’s Sevres porcelain, Napoleon’s four-poster bed, Chinese jade and Mughal silver filigree,.It is a private collection, and prior permission is required for a visit.Jalan Museum, also known as Quila House, is constructed at the old site of Shershah’s Fort, in Patna of Bihar.The museum houses private collections of Chinese porcelains, paintings, jade and silver filigree work of the Mughal period.Prior permission is required to enter the museum.

Sadaqat Ashram:
The Ashram is the headquarters of Bihar Vidyapeeth, a national university. India’s first president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad lived here after his retirement and there is a small museum here showcasing his personal belongings.The beautiful bungalow of Sadaqat Ashram in Patna is situated at the bank of the river Ganga. This fantastic location of the Sadaqat Ashram attracts many tourists every year. Here people visit the museum to learn more about the last days of Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s life

AgamkuanAgam Kuan:
Agam Kuan (Unfathomable well) is one of the most important early historic archeological remains in Patna. It is situated just close to Gulzarbagh railway Station, which is proposed to be associated with the Mauryan Emperor Ashok.The Agam Kuan refers to an “abysmal well” and it is situated on the eastern part of the capital of Bihar, namely Patna. It was built during the Mauryan Empire and ‘Ashoka the great’. Agam Kuan in Patna, BiharThis magnificent monument in Bihar is 105 feet deep and 20 inch in diameter. Half of the well is made of ornamented bricks. One of the spectacular things in this well is its arch-shaped windows

Padri Ki Haveli:
Built in 1772, the Padri Ki Haveli in Patna is the oldest church in the state of Bihar. The Padri Ki Haveli has an interesting history behind its inception. The church is seventy feet in length, forty feet wide and fifty feet in height. The magnificent monument was designed by Tirreto, the venetian architect who came from Calcutta. The church has withstand many attacks and act of destruction. The soldier of Nawab Mir Kasim, the ruler of Bengal looted the Padri Ki Haveli following their quarrel with the English traders. In the process, the ancient records kept inside were destroyed and burnt. The church suffered another attack during the Sepoy mutiny in 1857.

Deer at Sanjay Gandhi Biological ParkBiological Park:
Owing to its huge size, Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park is considered among one of the biggest zoos in India. The park houses more than three hundred species of trees including of orchids, ferns and roses. Each of these species has been kept in different houses and even their names have been given accordingly.The presence of the rare white tiger makes Sanjay Gandhi Biological park unique. Other than white tiger, the park has single male zebra, rhino of single horn, hippopotamus, and many cubs and tigers. The population of leopard is expected to rise in coming year for they have started breeding now. There are some 70 species of animals. Some rare species of animals such as clouded leopard, crocodile, Himalayan bear, lion tailed macaque, leopard cat, hog deer, and white peacock, etc. have been kept here. The total population of animals is around 800. The park is excellent exhibition of wildlife.

Planetorium Modern Planetarium:
Indira Gandhi Science Complex, is one of the must visiting places in Patna. This is among few Planetarium’s (Taramandal) in India.A planetarium is a theatre built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky, or for training in celestial navigation. A dominant feature of most planetariums is the large dome-shaped projection screen onto which scenes of stars, planets and other celestial objects can be made to appear and move realistically to simulate the complex ‘motions of the heavens.

Kumhrar 80 pillar HallKumhrar:
Kumhrar, site of the ancient city of Patliputra, lies 5 kms from Patna railway station. Archaeological findings in this area establish Patna’s claim to over a thousand years of political glory – 600 BC to 600 AD. Very little of this grandeur remains though, except for the remains of a huge Mauryan hall supported by 80 sandstone pillars dating back to 300 BC.Kumhrar, located in the city of Patna, is the site that consists of the archaeological excavations of Patliputra and marks the ancient capital of Ajatshatru, Chandragupta and Ashok. The remains of the ancient city of Patilputra have been uncovered in Kumhrar, south of Patna. It is six kms from the railway station, on the Kankarbagh Road. Excavations here have releaved relics of four continuous periods from 600 BC to 600 AD. An important find is the 80-pillared huge hall of the Mauryan dynasty.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Bajoria petrol pump: Bhagalpur,Bihar,India
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Vineet Hotel:Bhagalpur,Bihar,India  
Hotel Shiva International:Bhagalpur,Bihar,India
Hotel Satkar:Dr.rajendra Prasad Path,New Market,Katihar,Bihar,India
Things to carry:
 
Tips & Suggestions:
 
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:NTPC KahalgaonHospital:Bhagalpur,Bihar,India
Society/Community Phone Number:
Link:

In Bihar, women give ‘birth’ to 5 children in 2 months

A woman, as everyone knows, usually gives birth to a baby after nine months of pregnancy, but in Bihar 298 women claim to have delivered two to five children in a span of 60 days – at least that’s what records of incentives amount given to new mothers under a government scheme show.

A woman gets around Rs.1,000 when she gives birth under the government’s Janani Suraksha Yojana but a total of Rs.6.6 lakh was paid as incentive to 298 women who claimed to have delivered two to five children within 60 days under the scheme, says a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) that exposes corruption in the state.

These irregularities were found in the year 2008-09 in the districts of Bhagalpur, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Kishanganj and Nalanda, according to the CAG report 2009 tabled in the monsoon session of the state assembly that concluded last week.

“The concerned officials paid incentives under the Janani Suraksha Yojana to these women two to five times in 60 days,” the report says.

Unfortunately, thousands of genuine lactating mothers were denied the incentive due to them. The CAG report says that of 470,307 new mothers, 97,146 were not provided cash incentives under the Janani Suraksha Yojana for want of funds. Also, payment of Rs.25.19 crore to 1.8 lakh beneficiaries were made after a delay ranging between eight and 732 days.

Opposition leaders criticised the state government for the corruption in the implementation of the Janani Suraksha Yojana in the state.

“All this is happening in Bihar when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is claiming good governance. This is just a trailer of the unbelievable corruption in implementation of welfare schemes,” Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) state president Abdul Bari Siddiqui said.

Said Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) youth leader Gopal Sharma: “High corruption during Nitish Kumar’s four-and-a-half year rule has eaten into welfare schemes like in the case of Janani Suraksha Yojana exposed by the CAG report.”

Tourist places in Bhagalpur

Introduction

Bhagalpur is one of the oldest districts of Bihar, located in the eastern part of the state. It was once rated among the six best silk-producing Indian cities, and is still known as ‘Silk City’. Here, the river Ganga flows towards the north and is, therefore, referred to as ‘Uttarvahini Ganga’.

One of the major industries here is the power generation unit of National Thermal Power Corporation. The power plant is situated at Kahalgaon, nearly 30 km from Bhagalpur district HQ town. Bhagalpur is well-connected by rail to most parts of the country, and is a major station between Kiul Junction and Howrah on the Delhi-Patna-Kolkata route.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR 

Kuppa Ghat

Also known as Mehi Ashram, it was founded by revered Hindu saint Maharshi Mehi Das. Situated on the bank of river Ganga, it is an epitome of peace and serenity and it is a divine experience to spend time here.

Jain temple The famous temple of Vaasupujya Bhagwan Mahavir Jain is located at Nathnagar, and it attracts thousands of tourists and Jain devotees from across the country.


Karngarh

Situated in the Nathnagar area on the outskirts of Bhagalpur city, it used to be the abode of King Kama. The grandiosity with which Dussehra puja is organised here is to be seen to be believed.

Burhanath Temple

Situated on the bank of river Ganga in Jogsar locality, this ancient Lord Shiva temple, known to command mystic energy, attracts people from different walks of life. It is also known as Dudheshwara Mahadev Temple.

Khanqah-e-Shahbazia

Situated at Mulanachak, near the Bhagalpur railway station, it has been an important reli- gious place and seminary of the Muslim community since the Mughal era. A rich library having books on Arabic and Persian theological works is also there at Khanqah-e-Shahbazia. It has a Holy Quran transcribed by Murshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Murshidabad.

Ghuran Peer Baba

Situated near the Kutchery Chowk, the place is famous among followers of all faiths. Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs as well as others assemble here every Friday to seek the blessings of ‘Peer Baba’, who is believed to command sacred powers.

Mandar Hill

Nearly 50 km from Bhagalpur at Bounsi on Bhagalpur-Dumka state highway, the site is associated with’ a legend according to which this is the mountain that was used for ‘Amrit Manthan’ (to churn the ocean for procuring nectar). The legend has it that a ‘naag’ or snake was tied around the mountain to churn the ocean, and people believe the snake that was used as a rope has left an impression on the hill. A month-long Bounsi Mela is organised on the foothills of Mandar every year. Mandar Hill is equally revered by Jains who believe that their 12th Tirthankar attained ‘nirvana’ here.

Ajgaibinath Temple Situated nearly 39 km from Bhagalpur city at Sultanganj on the bank of river Ganga, Ajgaibinath Temple of Lord Shiva is visited by lakhs of devotees through out the year. The rush is huge during the Shravan month of Hindi calendar. During the month-long Shravani fair, people pay obeisance to Lord Shiva before proceeding to another temple at Deoghar in Jharkhand. They also collect holy water from the river Ganga here and carry it to Deoghar for offering it on the ‘Shivalinga’ in the Deoghar temple.

Yogini Dham

Nearly 100 km from Bhagalpur in Godda district, it is a famous rel gious place of Goddess Durga. The original temple is situated on the mountain, and the route to the temple is a replica of the famous Vaishno Devi cave in Jammu. Hindus believe that people’s wishes are fulfilled after a visit to the temple and that the sick are cured after they lie down on the platform of the temple.

Ruins of Vikramshila University Situated at Antichak in Kahalgaon sub-division, 38 km from Bhagalpur, ancient Vikramshila University was hailed as an epitome of learning and civilization during the Pala dynasty period of 783-820 AD. The university was established by King Dharampala of the Pala dynasty of the then Bengal province (now Kahalgaon) in the year 783 AD.

Museum

There’s a museum at Sandy’s compound which remains open from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm every day except Monday. Entry is free. 

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Bihula-Bishahari Puja or Mansa Puja

It is a local festival held’ at Nathnagar every July. Snakes are worshipped at the Bishahari Sthan which is believed to be the site where a devout lady’s dead husband became alive.

Durga Puja

It is celebrated with typical Bengali fervour. Broari (community) style of puja at Durgabari and Kalibari, which is famous among the traditionally rich Bengali community, attracts people from far-off places.

Kali puja

Bhagalpur’s Kali puja is also quite famous. ‘Akharas’ (mock display of traditional combat art and martial art) are taken out on the roads as part of the idol immersion processions.

HOW TO REACH

By Air:(Air Route Map)

Nearest Airport

Nearest airport: Patna Bhagalpur is prominently there on the Indian Railways’ map, and there are trains from all major stations, including Patna,to Bhagalpur.While the rail route distance between Bhagalpur and Patna is 223 km, it’s 240 km by road. Private taxis can be hired from Patna to go to Bhagalpur. Taking a train to the Silk City is wiser, though.

The rail route distance between Bhagalpur and Kolkata, capital city of West Bengal, is 456 km while it’s 465 km by road.

By Rail: (Rail Route Map)

Nearest railhead

Bhagalpur.

By Road:

Connected by good roads with all Indian cities.

Where to Stay:

Private Hotels/Guest Houses and Dharmshalas are available at Bhagalpur.

Hotel Rajhans International, STD Code: 0641, Phone: 2409411-15, 2300507; Fax: 2400816

AC and non-AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 2,495

Hotel Nihar, STD Code: 0641, Phone: 2400516, 2400336, 9304236321

email: niharhotel@rediffmail.com

AC and non-AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 1,500

Hotel Panchwati, STD Code: 0641, Phone: 2401023, 2401027, 2420494; Fax: 2421285

Email: krishnasic@rediffmail.com

AC and non-AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100.

Hotel Bhawan International, STD Code: 0641, Phone: 2408010, 2408011, 2426219, 9430021760

Email: hotel_bhawna@yahoo.co.in

AC and non-AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 599 to 1,800.

Hotel Sriyash Regency, STD Code: 0641, Phone: 2409397, 2409485

Email: sukulsanjoy@yahoo.com

AC and non-AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 599 to 1,800.

Single & double AC rooms & AC suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 1,200 to 2,085

Besides, there are several other budget hotels, guest houses & dharmashalas at Bhagalpur.

WHERE TO EAT

Royal Darbar: 9431422219

Mayfair: 2403853

The Treat: 9934877541

Hot Bits: .2420579

Big Bite: 2306857

Adarsh Jalpan: 2420524

Manali: 2303077

Local Transport:

Hired taxis/buses/Auto-rickshaws/ Cycle-Rickshaws/ Tangas.

In Emergency, Contact, STD Code: 0641

Inspector General of Police: 2400101, 2400901

District Magistrate: 2400012 (Off), 2401202 (Res), 9431213543 (Mobile)

Superintendent of Police: 2400103 (Off), 2401003 (Res), 9431800003 (Mobile)

Dy SP (Law & Order): 2420853 (Off), 2420824 (Res), 9431822601 (Mobile)

Kotwali Police Station: 2421302, 2461901

Police Control Room: 2400701, 100

Medical Emergencies,Contact, STD Code: 0641

Dr. S.N.Jha: 2400096, 2421752, 9431214233

Dr. B.K.Sinha: 2420710, 2422160, 9431214212

Dr. Manoj Kumar Jha: 2422144, 2424755

Dr. Mrityunjay Kumar: 2422077, 2420823, 9431214115

There are more than 50 nursing homes, private hospitals and clinics of different special- izations apart from a government hospital and Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital (JLN- MCH) at Bhagalpur.

Tourist Season

October to March.

Clothing: Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November to January).