Patna: Chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit reviewed the progress of two major temple redevelopment projects — the Thawe Durga Temple complex in Gopalganj and the Punauradham temple in Sitamarhi — and directed officials to ensure timely completion without compromising on quality.During a review meeting on the state-plan-funded Thawe Temple project, the chief secretary expressed displeasure over the slow pace of renovation and tourism development work. Observing that progress on the ground remained highly unsatisfactory despite the expiry of the administrative approval period, he ordered the repatriation of the executive engineer and assistant engineer concerned to their parent departments for poor supervision and negligence in monitoring the project.He also warned the contractor to immediately speed up the work and increase manpower, failing which the agreement would be cancelled and strict legal action, including blacklisting, would follow. The CS set a three-month deadline for completion of the remaining construction and beautification works, asserting that no further delay would be tolerated.Officials informed the meeting that the total approved cost of the Thawe Temple project is Rs28 crore, of which agreements worth Rs24 crore have already been executed. Around 200 shops have been planned for local vendors and 113 have been completed.Reviewing the redevelopment of the Punauradham temple, the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the chief secretary said the project was among the govt’s top priorities. “The Punauradham temple is not just a tourist project but is also connected with the faith of crores of people,” he said.He directed officials to execute all works scheduled between May 10 and Aug 10 within the stipulated timeframe. The tourism department and agencies concerned were asked to complete the road network inside the temple complex and the alternate road for local residents by July 10. He also ordered verification of all key foundation and structural drawings by July 22.The chief secretary further directed the Sitamarhi district administration to ensure land transfer, removal of encroachments and relocation of structures, including Sita Rasoi, Pithadhishwar Niwas and Gayatri Mandir, so that construction work continues without interruption.
