BHABUA, Aug. 5 -- A high-level committee of state government officials and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) experts comprehensively inspected the ancient Mundeshwari Bhawani Temple in Kaimur on Tuesday for the scientific restoration of the site and eco-tourism development in the surroundings. "The inspection marks a significant initiative toward the long-awaited conservation and overall development of the temple in accordance with ASI guidelines and standards," said Kaimur DM Nitin Kumar Singh. Development commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, Art and Culture secretary Pranav Kumar, and noted archaeologist KK Muhammed, HoD Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Kolkata, Dr Rajat Sanyal, Professor Anil Kumar of Bihar Heritage Development Society, along with Kaimur DM, DFO Sanjeev Ranjan and concerned officials, visited the site. Detailed deliberations were held regarding the Temple's current structural condition, conservation requirements, and the action plan for scientific restoration. Additionally, the committee assessed the potential for developing the temple complex and the surrounding area into an integrated hub for religious, cultural and natural tourism. The meeting emphasised that the temple, dated back to 1st Century BC, is not only a major centre of faith for devotees but also holds immense significance as a national heritage site due to its unique architecture and historical importance. Serious consideration was also given to including it in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The DM suggested that the site, located approximately four kilometers from the Varanasi-Kolkata Green Expressway, has great tourism potential. The district administration aims to develop modern tourism facilities while fully preserving the temple's historical and archaeological heritage and its surrounding areas as per ASI standards, thereby creating new employment opportunities for locals. A consensus was reached on formulating a comprehensive action plan to promote eco-tourism by leveraging the region's dense forests and natural beauty, strengthening tourist safety measures, and developing essential infrastructure. This inspection represents a significant and visionary initiative by chief minister Samrat Choudhary who recently announced the conservation and enhancement of Mundeshwari Bhawani and the development of Kaimur district into a prominent religious, cultural and eco-tourism destination at both national and international levels, the DM said. Meanwhile, helicopter services from Patna to Mundeshwari began on Tuesday with the first landing of a six-seater chopper. The tourists aboard this inaugural flight offered prayers at the temple. The fare for the journey from Patna to Mundeshwari Bhawani has been fixed at Rs.6,000 per seat. This special helicopter service will operate regularly for tourists every Saturday and Sunday and can be booked via the tourism department's official website, the DM said....