Patna: The world-famous Kesaria Buddhist Stupa in Bihar is set to receive a new identity as an eco-tourism destination, alongside its importance as a historic and Buddhist heritage site. The state government has accelerated plans to develop the stupa and its surrounding areas as a combined tourism, spiritual and ecological attraction.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, Anand Kishore, inspected the Kesaria Stupa on Wednesday and held a high-level review meeting with officials. He directed authorities to prepare a detailed master plan for the integrated development of the stupa and the surrounding region.
Kesaria Stupa to Become a Major Eco-Tourism and Spiritual Hub
Under the proposed development plan, the Kesaria Stupa complex will be transformed into a destination offering visitors a combination of heritage, spirituality and nature-based tourism.
The planned facilities include:
- Zen Park
- Children’s Park
- Meditation Centre
- Vipassana Centre
- Eco-friendly huts
- Attractive landscaping
- Parking facilities
- Cafeteria
- Other modern tourism amenities
The development will focus on improving the visitor experience while maintaining the historical and cultural importance of the Buddhist site.
Sarottar Lake to Be Developed as Eco-Tourism Destination
The naturally scenic Sarottar Lake near the stupa is also planned to be developed as a dedicated eco-tourism destination.
The proposed development around the lake includes:
- Boating facilities
- Parks
- Cafeteria
- Recreation facilities
- Other tourism infrastructure
Officials believe the lake has significant potential to become an important attraction for visitors to the Kesaria region.
The Motihari Divisional Forest Officer highlighted the eco-tourism potential of Sarottar Lake and suggested developing a comprehensive plan for tourism facilities in the area.
Master Plan to Follow Heritage Conservation Norms
During the review meeting, officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) explained the restrictions applicable around the protected monument.
According to the ASI:
- Construction is completely prohibited within 100 metres of the stupa’s boundary wall.
- In the area between 100 and 200 metres, structures exceeding seven metres in height are not permitted.
Additional Chief Secretary Anand Kishore directed officials to ensure that all development work strictly follows heritage conservation guidelines.
He emphasised that instead of tall structures, the project should prioritise:
- Eco-friendly huts
- Green spaces
- Natural landscaping
- Environment-friendly infrastructure
The aim is to preserve the historical significance of the Kesaria Stupa while protecting its natural surroundings.
Adequate parking facilities will also be developed to ensure convenience for tourists visiting the heritage site.
Zen Park, Children’s Park and Vipassana Centre Proposed
During the meeting, the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Muzaffarpur, proposed the development of a Zen Park, Children’s Park and Meditation Centre.
The Sub-Divisional Officer of Chakia suggested establishing a dedicated Vipassana Centre in the area.
The Additional Chief Secretary approved both proposals and directed officials to incorporate them into the master plan.
The proposed facilities are expected to strengthen the spiritual and wellness tourism potential of the Kesaria region.
Land Availability for Integrated Development Discussed
East Champaran District Magistrate Saurabh Suman Yadav presented a proposal for the development of Sarottar Lake and suggested making the required land available for the broader expansion and development of the Kesaria Stupa area.
The proposal was discussed during the review meeting and received approval in principle.
The integrated development plan is expected to connect the heritage site with surrounding natural attractions and create a more comprehensive tourism circuit.
Detailed Report to Be Prepared for Project Approval
The department’s eco-tourism construction consultant has been directed to incorporate all suggestions and proposals into a detailed report.
The report will cover the proposed development of:
- Kesaria Stupa surroundings
- Sarottar Lake
- Eco-tourism facilities
- Spiritual and meditation centres
- Parks and green spaces
- Boating facilities
- Visitor amenities
- Parking and other infrastructure
The detailed report will be submitted to the department at the earliest. Once the plan receives the required approvals, development work is expected to begin soon.
Focus on Heritage, Nature and Sustainable Tourism
The proposed development of Kesaria Stupa and Sarottar Lake aims to create a balance between heritage conservation, environmental protection and tourism development.
By combining the historic Buddhist stupa with eco-tourism and spiritual facilities, the Bihar government seeks to strengthen the area’s position on the state’s tourism map.
Senior officials present during the inspection and review meeting included ASI Superintending Archaeologist Hari Om Sharan, the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Muzaffarpur, the Motihari Divisional Forest Officer and other senior officials from various departments.
