Patna: Residents of Patna will soon have the opportunity to take helicopter tours over the state capital for Rs2,100 per person starting July 15, as announced by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday. The Bihar government will also share part of the cost for this service, which aims to promote local tourism and enhance public access to key destinations.
Helicopter Tours to Multiple Destinations
Choudhary stated that helicopter trips will also be offered to Rajgir, Maa Mundeshwari temple in Kaimur, Tutla Bhawani temple near Tilouthu, and the Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve area at a fare of Rs6,000 per passenger. The announcement was made after he jointly inaugurated the regional office of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, at Matsya Vikas Bhawan in Mithapur alongside Union Minister for Panchayati Raj, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh.
Inspection and Exhibition Visit
Following the inauguration, Choudhary inspected the NFDB regional office, reviewed the arrangements, and visited an exhibition set up on the premises. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that fish production must be expanded in every panchayat and block of Bihar. He called for a rural marketing plan based on the ‘haat’ concept, under which milk, vegetables, and fish could be sold together to ensure direct benefits for farmers.
Role of Cooperative Department
The Chief Minister stated that the cooperative department would play a crucial role in this effort, and cooperative societies could be assigned specific targets to increase fish output. He noted that the opening of the NFDB regional office would accelerate growth in the state’s fisheries sector.
Dual-Use Ponds and Self-Reliance
Choudhary also mentioned that several districts in Bihar have ponds that can be developed for dual use, with fish farming below and solar power generation above. He said Bihar is moving towards self-reliance in fish production, with local fish farmers now meeting 95% of the state’s demand.
Export Goals and Quality Focus
However, he stressed that the state must now aim to export fish beyond Bihar, including to neighboring Jharkhand and Nepal. He added that Bihar should focus on producing boneless and superior-quality fish for consumers in India and abroad. Choudhary concluded by stating that the state would work collectively to fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India and former CM Nitish Kumar’s vision of a prosperous Bihar.
