Patna: The Bihar govt has decided to hand over the security of 11 prominent religious, historical and heritage sites across the state to Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP). A draft notification issued by the home department (special branch) states that these sites have been notified as protected establishments under the Bihar Special Armed Police Act, 2021, enabling BSAP personnel to take charge of their protection and security.The proposed list of religious sites that would be covered by BSAP includes Punaura Dham and Barahi Dham in Sitamarhi, Buddha Stupa in Vaishali, Hariharnath Temple in Sonepur, Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Takhat Shri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, Mahavir Mandir in Patna, Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir, ruins of Nalanda and Vikramshila universities, and Sher Shah Suri’s mausoleum in Sasaram.Officials believe the decision is aimed at strengthening security at locations that witness heavy tourist and pilgrim footfall throughout the year. Many of these sites, including Mahavir Mandir, Takhat Shri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, Vishnupad Temple, Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir, and Nalanda University ruins, attract lakhs of visitors annually, particularly during major festivals and international Buddhist tourism events.The BSAP Act, 2021, was enacted to create a dedicated force for the protection of vital installations, religious places, historical monuments and other strategically important establishments. Once the notification comes into force, BSAP personnel will take over security responsibilities at these notified sites, ensuring enhanced surveillance, better crowd management and improved coordination during major events and emergencies.
