Patna: The path has been cleared for the development of Patna Haat, to be built west of Sabhyata Dwar near Gandhi Maidan, with demolition work of the old building at the proposed site recently getting underway. The structure, earlier used by the Bihar Police, is being razed to make way for a three-storey Patna Haat building.The old building, known as Ekta Bhawan, was used as accommodation for the Bihar Special Task Force (STF). The new project, estimated to cost Rs 48 crore, will be developed on the lines of Delhi Haat and is aimed at providing a platform for local artisans to showcase and sell traditional arts and crafts. The project is being executed by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC).The site earlier housed Ekta Bhawan, where STF personnel were accommodated. With the demolition now underway, a grand three-storey emporium will be constructed in its place. The haat will be equipped with modern facilities and is planned to be developed as a new tourism hub for the state capital.A BSTDC official said, “The demolition work started one week ago. The construction work for the Patna Haat building will begin once the demolition and removal of debris are completed. The special feature of Patna Haat will be that women entrepreneurs will get a permanent platform here to sell their products. Traditional arts like Madhubani painting, Bhagalpur’s Manjusha art, Patna’s Tikuli and Sikki crafts will be displayed and sold here.”He said crafts such as bamboo and cane work from Samastipur, clay and porcelain art from Darbhanga, Sujani embroidery from Muzaffarpur, stone craft from Gaya and Buti art from Nalanda would also be showcased to attract visitors.Patna Haat will not be limited to shopping alone. Underground and surface parking facilities will be developed to ensure smooth traffic movement despite large crowds. Restaurants and game zones for children and youth are also planned, making it a family-friendly destination.“Patna Haat will be directly connected to the Ganga River Front being developed from Collectorate Ghat to Digha and the J P Ganga Path Samagna Udyan project. Green areas, parks and playgrounds will be developed in the surrounding area, which will increase footfall and tourist movement here,” the BSTDC official added.
