Patna, July 28: The Bihar government has decided to provide security cover by the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) to 11 prominent religious and cultural heritage sites across the state, aiming to strengthen security at locations that attract thousands of domestic and international visitors every year.
The decision was announced through a Home Department notification issued on Tuesday, under which the Governor of Bihar has entrusted the responsibility for the protection and security of the identified sites to the BSAP with immediate effect.
According to the notification, the sites have also been notified as “designated institutions” under the relevant provisions of the Act.
The 11 sites covered under the enhanced security arrangement are Punaura Dham Temple and Badhi Dham Temple in Sitamarhi, Buddha Relic Stupa in Vaishali, Hariharnath Temple in Sonepur (Saran), Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib and Mahavir Mandir in Patna, Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir, the ruins of Nalanda University in Nalanda, the ruins of Vikramshila University in Bhagalpur, and Sher Shah’s Tomb in Sasaram.
Officials said the decision was taken considering the heavy footfall at these religious and heritage destinations, many of which are frequented by both domestic and foreign tourists throughout the year.
“In exercise of the powers conferred under Sections 2(XI) and 3(1) of the Act, the Governor of Bihar hereby entrusts the responsibility for the protection and security of the eleven religious places/cultural heritage sites to the BSAP,” the Home Department notification said.
“Accordingly, with immediate effect, these are notified as designated institutions,” it added.
Officials noted that the selected sites “receive a large number of domestic and international tourists,” underscoring the need for strengthened security arrangements.
The latest move is expected to enhance safety at some of Bihar’s most significant religious shrines and historical monuments while providing improved security for pilgrims, tourists and heritage assets across the state.
