Bihar Land Survey

Why in News?

Recently, the Government of Bihar has launched an app to provide comprehensive information related to the land survey, addressing the issues faced by people repeatedly visiting bl ock offices for solutions.

Key Points:

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Land Surveys in Bihar: Ongoing in 45,000 villages to digitize land data and resolve land disputes, with a one-year timeframe for completion.

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Objective:

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To facilitate recovery of government land, reduce land-related disputes, and prevent crimes related to land issues.

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If land documents are not presented, the land will be recorded as government property.

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Implementation:

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Once the survey is completed and records are updated, complaints about document withholding will be resolved.

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Officials, including kanungos and lekhpals, have been instructed to set up camps to inform the public.

Mega Industry Players in Bihar

Why in News?

Recently, Bihar received Rs 12,000 crore in investment proposals between 2022 and 2024, a significant rise from the Rs 2,500 crore received between 2016 and 2022.

Key Points

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Investors: Major players like Britannia, PepsiCo, Tata Group, and Medanta are investing in the state.

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food processing

Sectoral Focus: Investments are primarily in textile, leather, , and cement industries.

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Key projects include Ambuja Cements’ Rs 1,600-crore unit, Tata Group’s Taj hotel, and Medanta’s hospital.

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The entry of private players has significantly improved healthcare, reducing the load on government hospitals.

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Bihar’s strength in food processing, supported by abundant raw materials, is recognised as a key area for future investment growth.

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Government Initiatives for Industry: The state has created a land bank of 5,000 acres and leased out 7,592 acres in the last two years.

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SEZs (Special Economic Zones)

New industrial areas are being developed in 31 districts, with planned in West Champaran and Buxar.

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ease of doing

business

Challenges: Despite progress, investors face issues with land availability, infrastructure, , and concerns about labor unrest.

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The government emphasized the importance of enhancing single-window systems and extending government incentives.

Foundation Stone for Drinking Water Project

Why in News?

Sone river

Recently, the Bihar government laid the foundation for a Rs 1,347 crore project to supply water for drinking in Aurangabad, Dehri, and Sasaram.

Key Points

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Anganwadi centers

Additional Initiatives: Inaugurated and laid foundations for a state industrial training institute, tech labs, street lights, and in Dehri, Rohtas district.

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JEEVIKA

Distributed a cheque of Rs 74.17 crore to 1,864 self-help groups under the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project (BRLP), known as .

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World Bank

JEEViKA: Funded by the , it is a rural social and economic empowerment programme that comes under Bihar’s rural development department.

Sone River

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The Son River, also known as the Sone River, is a perennial river that flows through central India.

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Ganges

Yamuna River

The Son River is the 2nd largest southern (right bank) tributary of the after the .

Hartalika Teej, 2024

Why in News?

Shukla Paksha

Hartalika Teej Vrat is celebrated on the Tritiya of in the Bhadrapada month. In 2024, the observance falls on September 6.

Key Points

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Meaning of “Hartalika”: Derived from two Sanskrit words: “Harat” (abduction) and “Aalika” (female friend).

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Background: Goddess Parvati, devoted to Lord Shiva, was abducted by her friends to avoid her marriage to Lord Vishnu, as per her father’s wish.

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Parvati worshiped a clay idol of Lord Shiva, pleasing him, and they eventually married.

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Women observe Swarna Gowri Vratha to seek blessings from Goddess Gowri for a happy married life.

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Prominent in North Indian states: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

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Known as Gowri Habba in South Indian states: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

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Teej Festivals:One of three main Teej festivals, along with Hariyali Teej and Kajari Teej, celebrated in the Sawan and Bhadrapada months.

Muzaffarpur Hospital: No Patients

Why in News?

healthcare

services

Recently, a government hospital built in 2015 in Chainpura Village, Muzaffarpur, remains unused and abandoned despite being intended for local .

Key Points

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Hospital Status:The government hospital in Chainpura Village was built in 2015 but has never treated a patient.

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The 30-bed facility was never inaugurated and remains deserted.

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Current Condition: The hospital is surrounded by tall grass, resembling a haunted house. It has become a hangout for antisocial elements, including gamblers, drunkards, and drug addicts.

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Construction Issues: The hospital was built on a different plot than originally planned, leading the Health Department to refuse possession. The facility, spread over six acres, remains abandoned.

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Status of Healthcare in Bihar:

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Healthcare Infrastructure: Bihar has faced challenges in healthcare infrastructure, with several projects either incomplete or underutilized.

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SCs

PHCs

CHCs

Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness

Centres (AB-HWCs)

The state has 9,112 (Sub-Centres), 1,702 (Primary Healthcare Centres), and 57 (Community Health centers), with an excess of 10.54% PHCs in urban areas. Under the , 2,341 HWCs are operational. All District Hospitals (DHs) and Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) serve as functional FRUs (First Referral Units).

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Healthcare Access: The state struggles with inadequate healthcare facilities, impacting access and quality of care for its residents.

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NSSO data

(2017-18)

Recent data shows that 642 out of 1,000 people used OPD services and 33 used IPD services from public health facilities. However, indicates that only 18% of rural and 23% of urban OPD cases utilized public health facilities, though 70% of rural and 72% of urban IPD cases did, surpassing the national average.

Challenges:

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Inadequate Planning and Execution: Construction was carried out on an incorrect plot, leading to the abandonment of the project.

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Vandalism and Neglect: Lack of maintenance has led to significant damage and misuse of the hospital premises.

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Absence of Inauguration and Operation: The hospital was never inaugurated or made functional, leaving it as a wasted asset.

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Impact on Local Community: Villagers are deprived of local medical services and must travel long distances for healthcare.

Way Forward:

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Immediate Repair and Operationalization: Urgently repair and renovate the hospital to make it functional. Ensure the building is secured and maintained.

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Effective Management and Oversight: Implement strong oversight mechanisms to ensure that healthcare facilities are properly planned, constructed, and maintained.

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Community Engagement: Engage local communities in the planning and operation of healthcare facilities to ensure they meet actual needs.

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Review and Improve Healthcare Planning: Conduct a thorough review of existing healthcare projects and improve planning and execution processes to prevent similar issues in the future.

Bihar Gets Four More Vande Bharat Trains

Why in News?

Vande Bharat Express

Recently, four new trains were inaugurated for Bihar, enhancing the state’s rail connectivity.

Key Points

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Routes:

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Tatanagar-Patna

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Bhagalpur-Howrah

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Gaya-Howrah

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Deoghar-Varanasi (passing through Bihar)

Vande Bharat Trains

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Features:

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Speed: Vande Bharat trains are designed to be high-speed trains with advanced technology, offering faster travel times compared to conventional trains.

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Comfort: They provide modern amenities including comfortable seating, better cleanliness, and enhanced safety features.

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Efficiency: These trains are known for their energy efficiency and reduced travel time.

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Technological Advancements:

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State-of-the-Art Design: Vande Bharat trains incorporate the latest rail technology and design improvements.

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Passenger Experience: The trains are equipped with facilities aimed at enhancing the overall passenger experience, including improved onboard services and amenities.

Pitru Paksha

Why in News?

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha, is a significant period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to paying homage to one’s ancestors.

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In 2024, Pitru Paksha will commence on September 17 and conclude on October 2 with Mahalaya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

Key Points

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Pitru Paksha holds deep spiritual and religious importance in Hinduism. It is believed that during this period, the souls of deceased ancestors descend to Earth to receive offerings from their living descendants.

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This time is considered sacred for performing rituals to alleviate Pitru Dosha, which signifies ancestral debt.

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Rituals and Observances:

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The rituals performed during Pitru Paksha are known as Shraddha.

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These rituals are carried out with great devotion and purity to ensure peace for the departed souls and to seek their blessings.

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Key Rituals Include:

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Holy Bath: The person performing the rituals, usually the eldest son, begins by taking a bath in holy water, symbolizing purity.

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Offering Food and Clothes: Sattvik food and clothes are offered to Brahmins, who are invited to the home. This act is believed to nourish the souls of the ancestors.

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Pitru Tarpan: This involves offering water and sesame seeds to the ancestors while reciting specific mantras.

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Feeding Animals: Feeding cows, dogs, and crows is considered highly auspicious during this period.

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Cultural and Regional Practices

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Different regions in India have unique ways of observing Pitru Paksha. For instance, the city of Gaya in Bihar is renowned for conducting significant rituals during this period.

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Many people visit the Ganga Ghats to perform Pitru Tarpan, believing it to be especially meritorious.

Corridor Projects for Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temples

Why in News?

Union Budget 2024-25

Mahabodhi Temple

Recently, the revealed plans to develop corridor projects for the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya and the at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.

Key Points

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Vishnupad Temple at Gaya

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Location: It is situated on the banks of the Phalgu river in Gaya district of Bihar, India.

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Presiding Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

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Legend: According to local mythology, a demon named Gayasur requested the gods to grant him the power to help others attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). However, after misusing this power, Lord Vishnu subdued him, leaving a footprint in the temple, believed to be a mark of that event.

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Architectural Features: The temple stands about 100 feet tall and features 44 pillars constructed from large gray granite blocks (Munger Black stone) joined with iron clamps.

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The octagonal shrine is oriented towards the east.

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Construction: It was constructed in 1787 under the orders of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar and is located on the banks of the Falgu River.

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Cultural Practices: The temple is particularly significant during Pitra Paksha, a period dedicated to honoring ancestors, attracting many devotees.

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The Brahma Kalpit Brahmins, also referred to as Gayawal Brahmins, have been the traditional priests of the temple since ancient times.

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Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya

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Location: Bodh Gaya, in the Gaya district of Bihar.

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Gautam Buddha

Historical Importance: It is believed to be the site where attained enlightenment under the Mahabodhi Tree.

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Emperor

Ashoka

Built By: The original temple was built by in the 3rd century BC, with the current structure dating back to the 5th–6th centuries.

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Architectural Features: It comprises the 50 m high grand temple, the Vajrasana, sacred Bodhi Tree and other six sacred sites of Buddha’s enlightenment, surrounded by numerous ancient Votive stupas, well maintained and protected by inner, middle and outer circular boundaries.

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It is one of the earliest brick temples from the Gupta period, influencing later brick architecture.

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The Vajrasana (the Diamond Throne) was originally installed by Emperor Asoka to mark the spot where Buddha sat and meditated.

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Sacred Parts of Mahabodhi Temple:

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Bodhi Tree: Believed to be a direct descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained Enlightenment.

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Animeshlochan Chaitya: Where Buddha spent the Second Week.

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Ratnachakrama: Site of Buddha’s Third Week walking meditation.

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Ratnaghar Chaitya: Site of Buddha’s Fourth Week.

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Ajapala Nigrodh Tree: Site of Buddha’s Fifth Week.

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Lotus Pond: Site of Buddha’s Sixth Week.

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Rajyatana Tree: Site of Buddha’s Seventh Week.

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UNESCO World Heritage Site

Recognition: Mahabodhi Temple has been a since 2002.

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Pilgrimage Site: The Mahabodhi Temple attracts a large number of national and international pilgrims, highlighting its spiritual significance.

Flood in Bihar

Why in News?

Recently, Bihar has been severely affected by floods, with 12 districts submerged and over 12 lakh people impacted.

Key Points

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Flood Situation:

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Heavy rainfall in Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand has led to rising water levels in the rivers of North and South Bihar.

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The situation has caused widespread flooding in Bihar, particularly along rivers like the Ganga.

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Affected Areas:

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12 districts are affected, including Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Patna, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, and Katihar.

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A total of 12.67 lakh people in low-lying areas have been impacted by rising water levels.

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Affected trains include Patna-Dumka Express, Saraigarh Deoghar Special, Jamalpur-Kiul Memu Special, and Bhagalpur-Danapur Intercity Express.

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The Bihar Disaster Management Department (DMD) reported that 361 panchayats have been affected.

Floods

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About:

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Floods

are the most frequent type of natural disaster and occur when an overflow of water submerges land that is usually dry.

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Between 1998-2017, 2 Billion people have been affected worldwide due to floods.

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Causes:

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tropical

cyclone

tsunami

These are often caused by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt or a storm surge from a or in coastal areas.

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Types of Floods:

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Flash Floods: These are caused by rapid and excessive rainfall that raises water heights quickly, and rivers, streams, channels or roads may be overtaken.

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River Floods: These are caused when consistent rain or snow melt forces a river to exceed capacity.

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Coastal Floods: These are caused by storm surges associated with tropical cyclones and tsunami.

Mukhyamantri Gramin Setu Nirman Yojana

Why in News?

Recently, the Bihar government approved the “Mukhyamantri Gramin Setu Nirman Yojana” (MGSNY) to boost rural infrastructure through the construction of small bridges in the state.

Key Points

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Objective of the Scheme:

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The “Mukhyamantri Gramin Setu Nirman Yojana” (MGSNY) aims to enhance connectivity in rural Bihar.

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The scheme is focused on constructing 1,000 small bridges across various rural areas.

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Target Areas:

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The initiative prioritizes remote and rural regions that face difficulties due to inadequate infrastructure.

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monsoon seasons,

It is expected to address the issue of inaccessibility during when rivers and streams overflow and disconnect villages.

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Expected Benefits:

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The bridges will significantly improve transportation for rural populations, enabling easier movement of goods and people.

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Enhanced infrastructure will contribute to economic development in rural areas by connecting farmers, traders, and service providers to markets.

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It will also improve access to education and healthcare, ensuring quicker and more reliable transit for school children and patients in need of urgent medical care.

Bihar Tourism and Market Policy-2024

Why in News?

Bihar Tourism and

Market Policy-2024

Recently, Bihar has approved the to boost tourism infrastructure and market integration in the state, making it a hub for cultural, ecological, and heritage tourism.

Key Points

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Objective:

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To promote sustainable tourism development in Bihar, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination.

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To boost local economies and create job opportunities through tourism-related activities.

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Key Features:

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Infrastructural Development: Focus on improving transportation, accommodation, and amenities to support tourists.

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Bodh Gaya,

Nalanda

Rajgir.

Heritage Promotion: Emphasis on showcasing Bihar’s rich cultural and historical heritage, including sites like, and

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Public-Private Partnerships: It promotes private investments in tourism infrastructure and services.

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It provides financial support and subsidies for tourism-related businesses and startups.

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Marketing and Promotion:

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Launch of aggressive marketing campaigns to highlight Bihar’s unique attractions.

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digital platforms

Utilization of and social media for broader outreach.

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Famous Tourist Places in Bihar:

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Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodhgaya

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Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir

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Nalanda, Ancient city of Patliputra

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Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve in the West Champaran

Sahara India Investors Relief Efforts: A Closer Look

Why in News?

The Sahara India Group has been embroiled in a financial crisis, leaving millions of investors across India,

including 33,000 from Bihar, struggling to recover their money.

Key Points:

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Approximately Rs. 1 lakh crore from around 10 crore investors nationwide is trapped in four cooperative societies of the Sahara India Group.

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Among them are 33,000 investors from Bihar, with Rs. 410 crore stuck.

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The central government has initiated efforts to return the money, with some investors already receiving Rs. 10,000.

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Now, the refund limit has been raised to Rs. 50,000.

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Sahara India Group has launched the CRC Sahara Refund Portal, through which investors can claim their pending amounts.

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The district administration has also provided details about the portal on its official website. Investors are encouraged to promptly submit their claims through the portal to expedite the refund process.

Jivitputrika Festival

Why in News?

Recently, at least 46 people, including 37 children, drowned in rivers and ponds during the ‘Jivitputrika’ festival in Bihar.

Key Points

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Jivitputrika:

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Jivitputrika, also known as Jitiya Vrat, is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly in northern and eastern India, particularly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.

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The festival is observed by mothers who fast for the well-being, long life, and prosperity of their children.

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The celebration lasts for three days.

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Nahai-Khai: The festival begins with mothers taking a purifying bath and enjoying a nourishing meal.

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Fasting Day: The second day is marked by the rigorous fasting ritual.

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Paaran: The festival concludes on the third day, where the fast is broken with a meal.

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The festival is rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly commemorating the story of King Jimutavahana, who is honored for his sacrifice for the welfare of others.

Bihar Festivals

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Chhath Puja: An ancient Hindu festival that honors the sun god and his wife, Usha. It is celebrated six days after Diwali and is native to Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.

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Ganga and Gandak rivers

Sonepur Cattle Fair: Asia’s largest cattle fair, held on the full moon day after Diwali at the confluence of the .

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Makar Sankranti: Bihar’s harvest festival, celebrated in January with flower offerings, holy dips in the Ganges, and pujas.

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Rajgir Mahotsav: A colorful festival of dance and music held in the last week of October in Rajgir.

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Buddha Jayanti: Celebrated in May on the full moon day

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Jhijhiya Folk Dance: A famous folk dance performed by women only during the Navaratri festival.

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