Vikramshila, Mandarhil as international tourist spot: Nitish

Patna, Feb 10 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today announced that Vikramshila and Mandarhil will be developed as international tourist destinations in Bhagalpur and Banka districts respectively.

Addressing a public meeting in Banka, Mr Kumar said a high-level team of the state art and culture department would be constituted soon to conduct a survey of the area to prepare a detailed report in this regard.

'' Vikramshila was a centre of excellence in education in the past when most of the European countries were devoid of intellectual enlightenment,'' he maintained.

The state government had organised 'Boddh Mahotsav' in Vikramshila following its inclusion in the Buddhist circuit this year which provided an impetus in the mission for promoting it as international tourist spot, he said.

''Government will identify the places in the state for developing them as international tourist centres which will also help accelerate the pace of development in the area'' he added.

UNI