Patna is set to witness a momentous occasion as the city’s first MGNREGA-funded park in Rampur village, under the Naubatpur block, is all set for its grand inauguration by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on February 21. Situated about 25 km from the state capital, this park is more than just a recreational space—it stands as a symbol of rural development, community well-being, and the transformative impact of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Built on one bigha of government land at an estimated cost of ₹30 lakh, the park boasts modern amenities catering to people of all ages. Children can enjoy newly installed swings, while an open gym has been set up to encourage fitness among men and women alike. Paved pathways wind through the park, offering a serene space for morning and evening walks. Thoughtful planning has gone into making this park a green haven, with saplings planted around its perimeter to enhance its natural beauty. Separate restrooms for men and women have been constructed, along with a water tank to ensure clean drinking water is readily available. Benches have been strategically placed for visitors to sit and relax, and solar-powered lights illuminate the park at night, promoting sustainability while ensuring safety.
For the residents of Naubatpur and nearby villages, this park is more than just an infrastructural development—it is the fulfillment of a long-pending dream. Anish Kumar, deputy head of the Naubatpur block, acknowledged that the project had been in the pipeline for three years, facing delays in execution. However, with persistent efforts, it has finally come to life, becoming the first MGNREGA-funded park in Patna’s rural belt. The anticipation among the villagers is palpable, as they believe this space will provide a much-needed safe and clean environment for children, women, and the elderly. Additionally, the open gym is expected to promote health awareness and encourage people to adopt a more active lifestyle.
This initiative is part of a larger vision to develop rural infrastructure across Patna district, which comprises 23 blocks, 309 panchayats, and 1,395 villages. The MGNREGA scheme has been instrumental in channeling funds toward enhancing public amenities in these areas. Beyond parks, the government has ambitious plans to construct playgrounds equipped with basketball, volleyball, and badminton courts in each panchayat. In total, 203 playgrounds will be developed across 177 village panchayats at an estimated cost of ₹19.14 crore. These will include 36 large, 49 medium, and 118 small grounds, with 130 playgrounds being integrated within government schools and the rest on public lands, including one in an engineering college.
The upcoming inauguration of the MGNREGA park in Rampur marks a significant step toward bridging the rural-urban divide in terms of recreational and fitness infrastructure. The project reflects the government’s commitment to holistic rural development, ensuring that villages are not left behind in the march toward progress. For the people of Naubatpur and its surrounding areas, this park is not just a space for leisure—it is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the potential of government schemes to bring about tangible change in everyday lives.
