Bihar CM, Nitish Kumar inaugurates India’s longest rubber dam in Gaya
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated India’s longest rubber dam on the Falgu river in Gaya on Thursday, where lakhs of pilgrims from across the country and abroad come every year to pay homage to their ancestors during the Pitripaksha Mela, and a steel foot over the bridge for the convenience of the visitors.
After returning from Delhi, this was the first event of Kumar, where he had been on a three-day visit ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, to work for larger Opposition unity.
“The meeting with leaders of Opposition parties was good in Delhi. It is the beginning of the initiative and it will continue. I am not a candidate for any post. My focus is on bringing all the Opposition parties together, as that can make the difference in 2024,” he said.
Kumar stated that he proposed the name ‘Gayaji Dam’ in light of the religious beliefs associated with the location. “It is a place of redemption.” I am relieved that the dam was completed on schedule and in time for the Pitripaksha Mela, which begins on Friday. The second major step will be to ensure Ganga water in Gaya and keep it there all year. “Ganga water has reached Rajgir and is expected to reach Gaya by the end of the year,” he said, thanking Water Resources Minister Sanjay Kunar Jha and his team for finishing the project, the foundation stone for which was laid on September 22, 2020.
Kumar claims that the dam will attract more pilgrims and alter the landscape. “The dam has been built at an estimated cost of ₹324 crores. The project included experts from IIT (Roorkee). “There will be enough water in the dam all year for the pilgrims’ convenience,” he said.
The rubber dam presents a picturesque site that no one had previously imagined, was a manifestation of the CM’s vision, according to Deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav.
Responding to former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s remarks that he would like to address Nitish Kumar as Prime Minister so that Tejashwi Prasad Yadav could become Chief Minister, the deputy chief minister stated, “Nitish Kumar has been serving Bihar for years and he will continue to do so.” We will offer him our assistance. There is no doubt about it. We are not interested in rhetoric. Those who came to power in 2014 promised river interconnection, converting Benaras to Kyoto, and creating jobs, but have delivered nothing. We believe in taking action. “The rubber dam speaks volumes about Nitish Kumar’s vision and commitment,” he said.
