Patna, March 4: Chief minister Nitish Kumar today said the government was contemplating to develop Taregna triangle, associated with renowned scientist Aryabhatta, as a research laboratory to boost astro tourism in the state. But he made it clear that no proposal for the project had been prepared yet.

Replying to a question of JD (U) MLC Neeraj Kumar in the Assembly on whether the government intended to set up an astrology research centre at Taregna after the name of Aryabhatta, Nitish made these comments.

The chief minister said Taregna, along with Khagaul and Taregana Top, used to create a triangle. Aryabhatta used to make astrological calculations from there.

Nitish reminded people about July 22, 2009 when people and scientists from across the world came down to Taregna to witness the longest solar eclipse. He said the place could be developed as a centre of astro tourism but hastened to add: “It is just in the form of an idea.”

The state government would take the help of the Centre to develop the place and make people aware of it at the same time, the chief minister said.

When BJP MLC Harendra Pratap Pandey asked if the government would set up a national-level sports university in the state on the pattern of Patiala in Punjab to promote sporting activities in the state, Nitish said the government had made positive efforts to promote sporting activities. The results were still not up to expectations, the chief minister said.

Bihar did not fare well in the just-concluded National Games. It bagged just 12 medals and secured 24th position in the medal tally.

“We have made a beginning. We won 12 medals, which is satisfactory. We are trying our best to hone talent in the state as it is full of opportunities,” Nitish said, adding there would not be paucity of funds to boost sports in the state.