Patna, July 27: The Bihar government has entrusted the security of 11 prominent religious and historical heritage sites across the state to the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP), strengthening security arrangements at key pilgrimage centres and tourist destinations, officials said.
The new security arrangement has come into effect immediately under the provisions of the Bihar Special Armed Police Act, 2021, following a notification issued by the Home Department (Special Branch).
Under the revised deployment, BSAP personnel will provide security at major religious sites, including Punauradham Temple and Baghi Dham in Sitamarhi, the Buddha Relic Stupa in Vaishali, Hariharnath Temple in Sonpur (Saran), Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Takht Sri Harimandir Sahib in Patna Sahib, and Mahavir Mandir in Patna.
The force will also be responsible for safeguarding key historical and cultural landmarks, including the Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir, the ancient Nalanda University ruins, the Vikramshila University ruins in Bhagalpur, and Sher Shah Suri’s Tomb in Sasaram.
Officials said the decision is aimed at strengthening security at sites that attract thousands of pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad while improving preparedness for emergencies and enhancing crowd management.
According to the notification, BSAP personnel above the rank of Havildar deployed at these locations will be empowered to exercise powers under Sections 7, 8 and 9 of the Bihar Special Armed Police Act, 2021. The enhanced authority is expected to enable security personnel to take prompt action whenever required and ensure more effective security checks at the protected sites.
The Home Department has circulated the notification to the Police Headquarters, regional Inspector Generals of Police and other concerned departments for implementation. All concerned authorities have been directed to ensure compliance with the revised security arrangements.
Officials said the move is expected to provide a stronger and more coordinated security framework for Bihar’s major religious institutions and heritage monuments, while facilitating better management of visitors and safeguarding culturally significant sites.
